Young investor programme in UAE to teach key financial skills to 75,000 school students
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In a bid to incorporate essential financial skills such as diligent saving, budgeting and strategic investing into young students from an early age, companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have launched a new initiative. With an aim to reach 50 schools and impact 75,000 students across the Emirates, The ' Young Investor Programme ' was launched by National Bonds, a Shari'a-compliant savings and investment company, in collaboration with the Knowledge Fund Establishment.The programme blends classroom-based learning with immersive, real-life training, offering students a unique and interactive pathway to understanding personal finance. It initially targeted students in Grades 5 and 6.The curriculum under this initiative introduces fundamental financial concepts in a simplified manner to create an impact, according to The Khaleej Times. Meanwhile older students in Grades 11 and 12 also benefitted from hands-on workshops hosted at National Bonds' headquarters.These sessions dive deep into topics of critical importance, including budgeting, investment planning, market research, data analysis, and essential communication skills, providing participants with a crucial behind-the-scenes perspective on the workings of financial services and bridging theoretical knowledge with practical career exposure.The curriculum has six core modules: Money Management, Payment Systems, Loans and Debts, Savings and Investments, Insurance Protection Plans (with a specific focus on Takaful), and Long-Term Financial Planning.The programme also integrates real-life application through engaging role-play exercises, interactive case studies, and practical workshop activities, Khaleej Times reported. Moreover, there are new modules being introduced on a regular basis tapping into areas including artificial intelligence, digital currencies, and modern money management practices.The 'Young Investor Programme' has already been implemented in 11 private schools across Dubai as a part of the pilot phase, which turned out to be successful.The participating institutions include Dubai Schools – Al Barsha; Dubai Schools – Al Khawaneej; Dubai Schools – Nad Al Sheba; International School of Creative Science – Nad Al Sheba; American School of Creative Science – Nad Al Sheba; American School of Creative Science – Maliha; American School of Creative Science – Al Layyah; Buds Public School; Nibras International School Dubai; Springdales School Dubai; and St Mary's Catholic High School.As of now, the programme is catering to 3,500 students in Dubai. The initiative is now taking giant strides and expanding beyond Dubai, entering cities like Sharjah.
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