Volunteers from Caerphilly County Citizen’s Advice Bureau have been helping school children to make their money go further.
Between January and May 2011, more than 40 lessons were run for students in Years 10 and 11 at Lewis Girls School in Ystrad Mynach.
The sessions run by the Citizen’s Advice Bureau covered budgeting, the cost of credit and preparing students for the world of work.
Each session consisted of a short presentation and a practical exercise to put what had been learnt into practice.
Ms Jowett, PSE co-ordinator at the school organised the sessions with CAB.
She said: “The partnership has been a great success and the children who attended the sessions have certainly benefited and are more confident at many aspects of money management.
A competition was run for students who had attended the sessions to win a £50 retail voucher.
Students had to describe in less than 400 words why it is a good idea to keep control of your money, what things can be done to keep on track and where you might go for support and advice if things go wrong.
The winner of the competition was Nikita Bridgeman from Year 10. Nikita was delighted to receive the voucher, presented by Caerphilly AM Jeff Cuthbert during a school assembly.
Nikita said: “Thanks to the lessons with the Citizens Advice Bureau we have had in PSE, I have learnt a lot about finance.
“I have also learnt about where I can go if I ever have any money problems. I now know more about budgeting, getting paid, loans and finance in general, which I know will help me in later life.”
Lisa Chilcott, financial capability training coordinator at Caerphilly County CAB, said: “It’s been a delight working with the school and the students and we hope that as a result of these session the students will have gained some knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed decisions around budgeting, borrowing and saving in the future.
2We’ve gained a lot of experience ourselves and are looking for opportunities to work with more schools within the borough over the coming months.”