Thursday, May 16, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Toronto, Ontario – May 16, 2013 – Enactus Memorial, a team comprised of business students from Memorial University in Newfoundland, introduced Change Matters to young school children this spring.

"The newly created Change Matters is a program to help elementary school children learn financial life skills so they are exposed to critical concepts early, and begin to develop good habits and decision making skills around money," said Stuart Wallace from Enactus Memorial. "Our goal is to change the culture of financial education starting at a young age. We used a book series called the Zela Wela Kids that was developed specifically for young children, to help them learn these essential life skills in a fun, memorable and effective way. The author uses a values-based approach, so it is relevant to the children personally whether we are discussing needs and wants, saving, giving or entrepreneurial thinking."

The student team brought their program to over 1,000 students grades 2 to 6 across Canada and the results were very positive. "The teachers were excited about the program and told other teachers, so the study grew very quickly. The students loved how the sessions were fun and interactive, they were learning about finances without even knowing it. The program is also designed to work well in a "buddy system," so you have older students learning through facilitating and working with the younger students. It's a very positive learning experience for everyone involved," commented Wallace. This has interested the Boys and Girls Club of Canada and Enactus Memorial is piloting sessions to create a financial literacy based summer program for this summer. One of the teachers involved in the pilot study stated, "they [the children] were engaged in the session. They really liked talking about what kinds of things they would save up for and which charities they would like to contribute to."

The Enactus team will continue on expanding the program nationally, and would be happy to provide anyone more information about providing it in their school.

About Enactus Memorial

Enactus Memorial is a student-run volunteer organization operating out of Memorial University of Newfoundland. This award-winning organization is comprised of volunteers representing all undergraduate faculties at Memorial University. Formerly known as SIFE Memorial, our parent organization recently underwent a name change and we are proud to transition to our new name, Enactus, in 2012. Our mission statement: "To create local solutions to global economic challenges" in developing outreach projects within both the university and community. From helping our brave Canadian veterans start businesses, to showing kids in Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada how to Be Green, our projects reach a diverse number of audiences across our country. Our 13 projects reach individuals of all ages, and address needs of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, social responsibility and environmental sustainability. With projects running on local, provincial, national and international levels, Enactus Memorial is recognized as creating a sustainable impact around the world.