JN Bank teaches kids financial literacy

JN Bank used a rap-style session this month to teach children basic money concepts, mental wellness and decision-making during its Children’s Day observance in Kingston, according to the bank and the Jamaica Observer. The event brought together 12 students from St Richard’s Primary School in St Andrew at the JN Group Corporate Offices in New Kingston. Keith Levy, JN Bank’s managing director on an interim basis, led the discussion, which organizers said was designed to make financial education more accessible to children. The programme formed part of Child Month activities in Jamaica and was framed around this year’s theme, “Prioritise Our Children’s Mental Health: Strong Minds, Safer Future.” ### Why did JN Bank use a rap session for a banking lesson? JN Bank said the format was meant to create an interactive space where children could ask questions, share their views and learn basic banking concepts in language they could understand. The Jamaica Observer reported that the session also focused on positive self-expression, healthy decision-making and financial responsibility. (jamaicaobserver.com) Antoinette Wyatt, vice-principal of St Richard’s Primary School, said the session gave students exposure to leadership in a setting that felt approachable. She said Levy took time to answer questions in terms the children could follow, and added that the school’s relationship with the bank had helped students appreciate the importance of financial planning. (jamaicaobserver.com) ### Who took part, and what did the children say? Twelve students from St Richard’s Primary School attended the event, which was held as part of National Children’s Day observances connected to May 15, the report said. The children took part in activities that included reading, drawing and painting, alongside the discussion on money and values. One grade five student told the Jamaica Observer that the experience was “very wonderful” and said she liked the books and activities provided during the session. (jamaicaobserver.com) Another student described it as one of the best days she had had and said the visit to the bank gave the group a chance to meet staff and take part in an activity focused on helping others. ### How does this fit into JN Bank’s wider youth programme? (jamaicaobserver.com) JN Group said May is recognized as Child Month and that JN Bank’s Youth Banking Unit has been running a series of activities that include financial literacy sessions, rap sessions and donations to child-focused institutions. In a separate update, the group said the bank made a donation at Maxfield Park Children’s Home on May 12 and another donation of J$100,000 to SOS Children’s Village in Stony Hill on May 19. (jamaicaobserver.com) The bank has also been expanding school-based financial education beyond one-off events. The Jamaica Gleaner reported on May 19 that hundreds of primary-level students received copies of *Let’s Talk Money Kids!* through a JN Bank initiative tied to Read Across Jamaica Day on May 5. The books were distributed to several schools, including St Richard’s Primary, and were intended to support lessons on saving, budgeting, spending and responsible financial decisions. (jngroup.com) ### What have JN Bank officials said about the goal? Shanae Morris, an assistant manager in JN Bank’s Youth Banking Unit, said in the May 19 Gleaner report that the bank wants to make financial education more engaging and relatable for children while reinforcing positive money habits early. She said those habits can contribute to stronger financial futures for individuals and communities. (jamaica-gleaner.com) Keith Levy said, according to the Jamaica Observer, that nurturing children is an important part of national development and community building. That places the rap session within JN Bank’s broader youth outreach, which combines financial literacy with conversations about confidence, support and responsibility. ### What comes next in this story? JN Bank said its Child Month activities are being carried out through the Youth Banking Unit, which has linked school outreach, donations and financial literacy programming across May. (jamaica-gleaner.com) The bank has also said it intends to expand distribution of its children’s financial literacy resources to other schools across Jamaica through its School Savers’ Programme. (jamaicaobserver.com)