08/05/13….Thame’s MP call for local schools to take part in money programme

THAME’S MP, John Howell, has called on local schools to take part in My Money Week (3 to 9 June), giving pupils the chance to learn more about money and personal finance. Every primary and secondary school in Thame and the rest of John’s constituency is being given the chance to take part for free in My Money Week, which has returned for its fifth year thanks to a new partnership between national charity pfeg (Personal Finance Education Group) and Barclays.

“My Money Week will improve young people?s financial skills, knowledge and confidence through special lessons, activities and debates in schools and other settings across the UK,” said John. Teachers can order a free Activity Pack, developed by pfeg, full of creative and engaging financial resources and ideas for how to deliver financial education to young people, from the age of four up to 19. Young people can also take part in the ?A-Z of Money?, a national competition challenging them to learn more about money through creative writing.

John Howell added: ?There has never been a better time for young people to learn about financial skills. My Money Week provides the information they require to give them the chance to do so with confidence.”

Tracey Bleakley, chief executive of pfeg (Personal Finance Education Group), said: ?We are absolutely delighted to have the support of John Howell MP in promoting My Money Week this year, and I hope all schools in (his Henley constituency) will seize the opportunity to take part through our free activity pack, advice and support.?

Ashok Vaswani, CEO UK and Retail Business Banking at Barclays, said: ?It has never been more important for young people, particularly those who are vulnerable, to be able to access the support they need to learn about money. Having sound financial skills and being confident in managing money is critical to everyday living and achieving future goals.?

Since the first My Money Week in 2009, more than three million young people have been helped to understand more about money and personal finance through focused activities in schools. In 2012 around 500,000 young people took part in My Money Week activities, with 99 percent of teachers reporting an increase in skills and knowledge and 91 percent of teachers reporting a shift in students? attitudes towards money.

Teachers can pre-order their free My Money Week Activity Packs at www.pfeg.org/mymoneyweek