Financial literacy, a program to sustain generations
“I’m usually home alone and I make my own food. I have learned how to teach others, to work in a group, and I help my mom prepare meals. In the cooking workshop offered through the Financial Literacy Program, I found out that scholarships are available for racially diverse teens. I had always assumed that my mom would be the one paying for my education. I know that the one I want will be expensive. I also know that I can’t just rely on my mom to pay for it, but that I can actually finance my education myself. Now, I spend less on groceries, and manage to save money. I would like to learn more about entrepreneurship, because my goal is to open up my own restaurant. I would also like to learn more about saving money.”
- Malka, 17-year-old participant in the YMCA Lunch and Learn to cook Kitchen Workshop
The YMCA’s Financial Literacy Program presented by ManuLife
In today’s consumer-based society, the challenge young people face is learning how to manage their money and developing a healthy relationship with it. The Financial Literacy Program offered at the Y teaches young people about money: what it means, how to earn it and use it wisely, how to deal with debt, and how to create a personal budget with an eye on the future.
Financial Literacy at the Y for Young People's Success
The aim of the Y’s financial literacy program is to equip teens with the tools they need to make sound financial decisions. Our friendly approach allows youth to learn the basics of financial security through educational tools and fun activities. Our facilitators promote a hands-on approach to learning while inspiring young people’s financial independence and autonomy, while building their self-esteem.
This initiative is included in the TeenZones, the YMCA Alternative Suspension points of service, the Diversion and Succession programs, the Youth Co-op programs and the YMCA Residence. As such, it is open to all participants under the age of 24 who benefit from any of the services available at the Y.
Financial Literacy at the YMCA: Highlights
From September 2021 to August 2022, the Financial Literacy Program provided 95 workshops, 10 training programs and 9 conferences where a total of 959 young people participated.
Investments and Pizza Night – Conference held on June 9, 2022 with Liberté 45
Lunch and Learn – Kitchen Workshop at the Pointe-Saint-Charles YMCA in July 2022
Our Financial Literacy Tools
Learning is continuous and over the course of the different programs, fun activities and workshops are provided within the existing framework. So, depending on the nature of the program and the socio-economic background of the participants, the content can be tailored to everyone’s specific needs.
Numerous activities are held to support learning, such as creating guides for practitioners, customized training units for young people, content for a variety of programs, fun activities, videos made by youth for youth, as well as thematic conferences and workshops.
Thank you to our Partner
The information contained on this web page represents the views and opinions of the individuals involved and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Manulife, its affiliates or associates, nor does it reflect the views of The YMCAs of Québec and its Foundation.
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