It’s a simple action. The act of not spending all of the money you have. This small change in behaviour can lead to bigger things like having money for unexpected events, saving towards a specific goal and investing. Things that can lead to a more financially secure future.
For rural primary school head teacher, Mr Johnson Rura, in Lomaivuna, Naitasiri, it is seeing this small change in his young students that gives him hope for their future. Using simple classroom exercises, Rura teaches Year 3 students at Lomaivuna Settlement School about the value of money, saving, spending wisely, setting financial goals and managing financial risks.
Eight-year-old Jone Veibataki, is one of Mr Rura’s students. His favourite subject is Mathematics and he wants to be a pilot when he grows up. Since learning about saving at school, Jone has been putting aside some of the pocket money he receives, towards school materials and airfares for a trip to Australia. Jone has an aunt in Suva who also gives him pocket money when he helps with chores at her home, “Saving will help me with my needs and school materials for next year.”