IN recognition of National Children’s Day, observed on May 15, 12 students from St Richard’s Primary School in St Andrew received the opportunity to engage in a rap session which focused on mental wellness, positive self-expression, healthy decision-making, and financial responsibility among children, with Keith Levy, managing director (interim), JN Bank.

Held under this year’s Child Month theme ‘Prioritise Our Children’s Mental Health: Strong Minds, Safer Future,’ the session, held at the JN Group Corporate Offices in New Kingston, formed part of the bank’s annual Children’s Day observance, designed to promote positive values and financial literacy among young Jamaicans.

The engagement provided an interactive space for the students to ask questions, share their thoughts on supporting others, and get a better understanding of basic banking concepts, and the children said they found the interaction educational and entertaining.

One grade five student said she had been eagerly anticipating the session from the moment she heard about it.

“My experience was very wonderful. We got books to read, and there were so many activities to do. I like that we drew and painted. It was awesome,” she said excitedly.

Another student described the session as enjoyable.

“Today was one of the best days I’ve had. I wish I could come back tomorrow,” she shared. “I feel like that was a very good opportunity for us to come and to see the people from the bank. It was a very nice experience.”

She said one of her favourite moments was participating in an activity centred on helping others.

Vice-Principal of St Richard’s Primary School Antoinette Wyatt said the rap session gave students valuable exposure and helped them to see leadership in a more relatable way.

“I think it’s a very good opportunity for the children, not just because it’s Children’s Day, but as a bank overall, for them to see an adult who is a manager, to see that he is reachable, approachable, and also that they’re able to have questions answered. I really appreciated that he took the time to answer them and use language that they would understand as well,” said Wyatt.

She pointed out that the relationship between the school and the bank has helped students to appreciate the importance of financial planning.

Wyatt argued that it is important for children to start learning about money early, not only through simple saving habits, such as using piggy banks and putting away coins, but also in developing a broader understanding of how to prepare themselves for the future.

In the meantime, Levy underscored the importance of nurturing children as a critical part of national development and community building.

He said JN Bank sees young people as central to the future of the country and remains committed to supporting their well-being through meaningful engagement.

“We look at ourselves as part of the wider Jamaican community, and at the bedrock of that community are our children. We want to make sure that we are there for them, that they understand certain fundamental values, and to show them that we, as a bank, care because we recognise the value they have to us as a society,” added Levy.

Through the JN Schools Savers’ Programme, St Richard’s Primary has maintained a strong relationship with the bank through various initiatives aimed at building strong saving habits and improving financial literacy among students.