Financial literacy is crucial to young people's future. But how financially literate are young people today, and how can they prepare for the economic challenges of tomorrow? To answer these questions, we interviewed Jessica Thyrion, advisor at the ABBL Foundation for Financial Education. In this article, she shares her expertise on the importance of financial education, the specific challenges facing young people, and the initiatives in place to help them navigate the complex world of finance. Find out how the ABBL Foundation is working to improve young people's financial literacy and prepare them to make informed and responsible decisions.
Schoulspuerfester, a tradition born at Spuerkeess
It all began with the Spuerkeess’ statutory mission of promoting saving in all its forms within the population of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. As a result, the famous Schoulspuerfester are deeply rooted in the history of Spuerkeess and in Luxembourg’s long tradition of financial education. Lisa Wells, Vice President & Head of Business Unit Marketing at Spuerkeess, explains the importance of this annual event.
Each year, for the last 57 years, Spuerkeess has invited primary school children aged 6-7 years old and their teachers to visit the theatre and watch a play specially created for the occasion. Each time, around 5000 children from more than 160 schools in Luxembourg are delighted to take part in this event, which seeks to teach them the value of saving in a fun and enjoyable way.
TweetThe Schoulspuerfester play a central role as part of children’s financial education.
Lisa Wells - Vice President & Head of Business Unit Marketing
As well as giving them their first taste of the world of finance, the Schoulspuerfester are also an exciting time for the children. For most of them, this is the first time they have seen a play at the theatre and they will remember the piggy bank (“Spuerbéchs”) they received as a gift at the end of the event for a long time to come. This Spuerbéchs will always bring to mind the fun way they first learned about saving, but it will also remind them of the great time they had.
What’s more, the theatre plays are educational and well thought out, and bring the children a story about saving they can understand and enjoy. This year, a play entitled “Sing a song” has been produced by the producer and songwriter Robi Arend, who is well-known both nationally and internationally for his musical career with the group Saxitude but also for his musical stories for children. In this story, a twin sister and brother, learn that they need to save if they are to make their dreams come true.
TweetSaving is a timeless subject and one which concerns our children in the same way that it concerned us before them.
Lisa Wells - Vice President & Head of Business Unit Marketing