Financial Literacy Classes for Better Futures

Public Relations Officer, at the U.S. Embassy, Adam Benz, says the students from three schools selected, St. John Vianney, St. John’s Anglican, and the Unity Presbyterian primary schools, were taught lessons that will transform their communities and enhance their personal lives.

Adam Benz

Adam Benz, Public Relations Officer, U.S. Embassy in Belize

“We know that financial literacy at young age changes the direction of young people’s lives. We also know it transforms communities as well, because it creates a foundation for people to save, to invest in their neighborhood, and to actually create employment, and to create better opportunities. So, we chose specific neighborhood and we really chose these three schools because we felt they had the ability for maximizing impact. I think ninety percent of the students of both schools come from lower income backgrounds. Most of the students that are there have the interest for a better future. I think was fascinating was that every one of them has a goal. That was part of the idea. The program is basically an over three month’s program. We help people to identify, what is it that you want? What do you want to do with your life? And, how do you go about saving, or how can your savings reach your goal? How can you use your money wisely? How can you manage a budget? They seem complicated really but they are not. They actually are transformative. So, each of the students was able to set their own target.”