JA SparktheDream financial literacy programme by FWD Singapore and JA Singapore gives 2,700 students a head start on money management
Media release by FWD Singapore
- Launched in 2022, the programme was first piloted in Singapore and Hong Kong as part of FWD’s efforts to empower the next generation with the skills and tools they need to take charge of their financial future
- The programme aims to integrate financial, social and life skills education to help boost primary school students’ financial literacy through workshops with hands-on activities
Singapore, 12 December 2023 — FWD Singapore, in partnership with Junior Achievement (JA) Singapore, has empowered over 2,700 primary school students in Singapore through its JA SparktheDream programme by equipping them with financial literacy skills and better money spending habits.
First launched in Singapore in 2022, JA SparktheDream is a financial literacy programme focused on educating the next generation to become financially literate, innovative, and socially minded individuals. The programme is also designed to foster close collaboration with primary school students, teachers, parents, and volunteers. Since launch, attendees of the programme have clocked over 10,800 experiential learning hours on financial literacy skills, supported by more than 120 trained FWD volunteers and members of the community in Singapore.
Adrian Vincent, CEO of FWD Singapore, said “At FWD, we believe that developing financial literacy early in life is important as it helps to establish better money management habits and build a strong foundation for a financially resilient future. As one of the pilot markets for this flagship programme with JA Singapore, I’m pleased to see that the JA SparktheDream programme has impacted over 2,700 primary school students since launch, equipping them with financial and foundational life skills they need - such as learning how to save, spend and earn."
Ng Hau Yee, Executive Director of JA Singapore said, “It is a privilege for JA Singapore to pilot this new financial literacy program with FWD Singapore. JA SparkTheDream is a very practical and engaging program incorporating online games for students to further test their knowledge, while having fun learning concepts on needs and wants, as well as how to earn, save and spend. Students are also taught how to be positive agents of change by asking them to identify a social issue and develop an innovative solution to address it. This is a great way to get students to think about impact beyond themselves.” |
A flagship programme that aims to build financial and foundational life skills through classes and games
JA SparktheDream offers a holistic experience to students and encourages them to enhance their financial management skills through experiential learning. It comprises of:
- volunteer-led workshops;
- extended learning through an interactive online platform;
- family activities to integrate learning;
- community sharing; and
- a regional student exchange event organised to further encourage students to enhance their financial management skills when addressing social-economic wellness in the local community.
JA SparktheDream Social Challenge fosters social innovation creativity
Students are encouraged to put into practice what they’ve learnt throughout the programme in the JA SparktheDream Social Challenge 2023, where they have to identify and address a local issue, such as helping lower-income families and job matching. The challenge was first introduced as a pilot last year, aiming to foster the students’ creativity and develop their empathy towards society.
It culminated in a regional showcase at the end of November, during which shortlisted teams of students shared their social innovations and financial knowledge online. The competition also gave them the opportunity to learn from students in other pan-Asian markets who were also participating in the JA SparktheDream programme.
“The JA SparktheDream programme reflects our commitment to financial inclusion, and we will continue to advocate for a brighter financial future for Singaporeans so they can have the means to live a fulfilling life,” added Mr. Vincent.
Empowering 25,000 students with financial literacy across Asia Pacific
The multi-year JA SparktheDream programme was first launched in Hong Kong and Singapore in 2022 and has now expanded across seven regional markets by FWD Group, with the goal of reaching 25,000 students and thousands more of their peers.
About FWD Singapore
In Singapore, FWD started operations in 2016 and is one of the first insurers that provides a direct-to-consumer (DTC) platform that allows customers to buy their preferred life and general insurance products directly from our website, brokers as well as a network of preferred Financial Advisory (FA) firms for customers who want to speak with an adviser before committing to an insurance plan.
For more information, please visit www.fwd.com.sg