Empowering Financial Responsibility: Helping the Next Generation Build a Better Financial Future

In a heartwarming display of community outreach, 97 children from Barangay Fairview, Quezon City, participated in an enlightening session aimed at equipping them with crucial financial skills for their future. The event, organized by the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) of the Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU), the School of Business (SOB) Local Student Council (LSC), and the Business Administration Student Society (BASS), brought together 31 Quezonians, led by Dean Leonila Generales, and 28 student officers and volunteers.

Empowering Financial Responsibility

The primary goal of the event was to empower the next generation by teaching them financial responsibility—a skill that is essential for personal growth and stability. Through engaging activities and interactive learning, the children gained an understanding of money, savings, and the importance of making informed financial decisions.

Key Activities and Learning Sessions

Officers and volunteers from JPIA-MLQU, SOB-LSC, and BASS led the session, focusing on several key financial concepts. The children learned about various denominations and the value of money, as well as the fundamental difference between needs and wants. Emphasizing the importance of financial prioritization, the session also highlighted the significance of saving for the future.

To make these lessons come to life, the children were given ‘play money’ to simulate real-life purchasing decisions. The children had the opportunity to buy rice meals, snacks, and toys—each with a corresponding price tag. The participants who managed to save the most from their play money received exciting prizes.

Each child also received a piggy bank, along with an initial P50 to jumpstart their savings journey.

Mini Christmas Celebration and Fun Activities

After the educational session, the event took a festive turn with a mini Christmas celebration. The children had the chance to showcase their talents through lively dancing and singing performances, much to the delight of everyone in attendance. In addition, the student volunteers organized fun parlor games for the children to enjoy. All winners received gifts and monetary prizes, adding to the holiday cheer.

In the spirit of continuous improvement, evaluation forms were distributed to the children, their parents, and barangay assistants. This feedback was gathered to assess the event’s effectiveness and to ensure that future activities will be even more impactful.

This community outreach event not only provided the children with valuable lessons in financial literacy but also fostered a sense of joy and celebration, leaving them with lasting memories and a newfound understanding of financial responsibility.

As the first of a series of outreach and extension initiatives to be spearheaded by the School of Business, this event marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to empowering communities and preparing future generations for financial success.