September 29, 2006
Citibank Guam Debuts Dollars and $ense Financial Education Program
Guam – Third and fifth graders attending Inarajan Elementary School will soon learn the basics of money management thanks to the new "Dollars and $ense" financial education program managed by international NGO, Junior Achievement Worldwide (JAW) and Citibank Guam.
Inarajan Elementary is the first school in Guam to implement the program and more schools are likely to be involved in 2007, said Ms. Nancy E. Keel, Director of Operations, Asia Pacific Region, JAW at the program launch today.
"I am so delighted to be a part of the first launch of this elementary school program. Thanks to a generous funding grant from the Citigroup Foundation and the support of many partners, we hope to extend the program and serve a larger population in the near future," said Ms. Keel
Her thoughts were shared by Joe Rios, Chairman of the Board 2006-2007 JA Guam Chapter.
"We are privileged and grateful to have the overwhelming support of Citigroup and the Citigroup Foundation. With their help, we are encouraged to develop and increase Junior Achievement programs for different levels of students within Guam’s educational system."
Also speaking at the event was Ajay Kashyap, Guam’s Citigroup Country Officer.
"We believe financial education should be taught at an early age. By grasping the basics when they are young, the students will be better prepared to achieve personal financial goals in the future. We are also pleased that through financial support and employee volunteerism, Citigroup continues to be an active participant in supporting our local community and partners."
Run over six classroom lessons, the students will be taught the concepts of earning, spending, sharing and saving money in "Dollars and $ense." The program is packaged in a portfolio that includes session plans, informative take-home flyers (for students and families), and additional learning materials to ensure a successful experience for students, volunteers, staff and teachers.
Inarajan Elementary School is one of the 25 elementary schools under the Guam Public School System. The school's third and fifth graders make up about 40% of the total student population.
In 2004, Citigroup and the Citigroup Foundation made a historic ten-year, $200 million global commitment to financial education. Citigroup is committed to improving the communities in which it operates. The Citigroup Foundation prioritizes grants in financial education, educating the next generation, and building communities and entrepreneurs.
JA Guam, Inc. is a member of JA Worldwide and operates as a franchise. It has educated over 6,000 students to value enterprise, business and economics. Now in its 30th year, JA Guam is unwavering in its purpose to educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise, business and economics to improve the quality of their lives.
