The Minister of Education and Youth, Fayval Williams, has launched the first-in-a-series of Financial Education and Empowerment seminars for teachers.

The first workshop, organised through the Jamaica Teaching Council, an agency of the Ministry of Education and Youth, follows the Minister’s commitment made at the annual conference of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) earlier this year to provide opportunities to enhance the overall financial well-being of Jamaica’s teachers,

“The genesis of this Financial Education and Empowerment online series of seminars was borne out of a desire by the Education Minister to see all educators achieve and actualise their personal dreams, financial growth and development,” the ministry said in a statement.

Noting that financial literacy unlocks the door to financial success, Williams said “The main benefit of financial literacy is that it will empower individuals and families to make smart financial decisions”.

“It will also provide the knowledge and skills needed to manage money effectively through budgeting, saving, investing and borrowing,” Williams emphasised.

The Minister also noted that financial literacy is important for current money habits and also future preparation.

“The lack of financial literacy skills can lead to poor spending choices, increased debt and a generational wealth gap. Teachers can help address the problem of financial capability by taking advantage of the technology available at their fingertips; it will ensure that the next generation of educators follow the best financial path from the early stages of their illustrious careers,” said Williams.

Chief Executive Officer of Profit Jumpstarter, Keisha Bailey led the discussion with over 250 teachers who attended the first online seminar earlier this month.

According to Bailey, “financial education is key to economic opportunity”.

“We are better equipped to reach our financial goals and achieve financial stability,” she said.

For the next Financial Education and Empowerment seminar, Ricardo Allen, Founder and CEO of One-on-One Educational Services, an educational technology company that is listed on the Junior Stock Exchange, will bring information relating to online income-generating tutoring opportunities for teachers.

The date for the next seminar will be announced.