In fostering financial education in Aruba over the past two years, the Central Bank of Aruba has led the initiative to annually organize a national financial education program in the form of Global Money Week Aruba (GMWA). In order to organize this national financial education program, which is directed towards children, the CBA collaborates with local partners such as Aruba Bank N.V., Banco di Caribe, Caribbean Mercantile Bank, CIBC First Caribbean, Ennia, the Government of Aruba (Futura & IDEA), Guardian Group, Kiwanis Club of Aruba, Qredits, RBC, and Setar N.V., as well as many other collaborators.
By way of an interactive “financial treasure hunt”, more than 50 elementary school classes completed the financial education route in downtown San Nicolas in 2018 and 2019. The children visited 7 different stations that follow the financial cycle; Discover, Learn, Earn, Save, Spend, Share and Innovate. At each station, the children touched upon a topic, and learned in an interactive way about the different characteristics of the florin banknotes, the purposes and uses of money, as well as how to make responsible choices in financial matters.
During both years the children also participated in a Global Money Week Aruba art project at the SAVE station, which is hosted by Guardian Group, CIBC First Caribbean, and ENNIA. The children collectively created an art work made out of coins. On December 18th 2019, this art work was officially handed over to Fundashon di Museo Aruba (FMA) as a symbol of gratitude and collaboration between the partners of GMWA.
Globally, the importance of financial education is acknowledged as imperative to personal financial well-being, as well as a necessary condition for developing a sustainable and inclusive society. The increasing relevance of financial education as an important life skill, particularly for the next generation, is featured prominently on national agenda’s as observed by the organization of the Global Money Week.
For more information about GMWA and our plans and initiatives for 2020, which this year will take place during the week of March 23-27 in downtown Oranjestad, please visit and follow our Facebook page ‘Global Money Week Aruba’.
