The authority is launching a nationwide financial awareness program for youngsters aged 9-14 to teach them the fundamentals of finance, economics and saving as potential future investors in the country’s economy and capital market.
Called “The Smart Investor,” the program aims to teach children the principles of money management, investment, saving mechanisms and introduces them to the roles and responsibilities of key financial institutions in the country. In addition, it promotes Islamic values and ethics by teaching children the proper attitude toward money.
The program includes interactive lectures in schools, an interactive website and pages on social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. It also includes displays to be presented at malls, exhibitions and summer camps as well as festivals and children’s cultural events. The authority examined similar programs in other countries to promote financial literacy and then assembled a team of finance and education specialists and professionals to develop the framework for the program.
Studies and surveys by financial institutions have concluded financial and investment awareness at an early stage contribute to the avoidance of economic crises, as investors in capital markets become wary of the risks involved in dubious investments.
The authority began publishing a magazine in support of the program about two years ago and distributed about 150,000 copies to young people across the Kingdom in that time. The authority also has conducted road shows visiting 18 cities and reaching out to more than 250,000 men and women. In addition to the literature designed for youngsters, the authority also offers 14 awareness booklets, investor magazines, brochures, leaflets, as well as copies of its rules and regulations.
For additional information, or to view or download the magazine, visit www.cma.org.sa.
