Expanded financial literacy programme to include special needs schools

The National Financial Literacy Programme (NFLP) has officially launched the second phase of its school initiative, FLITE (Financial Literacy), aimed at empowering the nation’s youth. 

This year, the programme will expand to more schools and introduce new curriculums, including targeted resources for remedial and special needs students.

Addressing attendees at the launch event, programme coordinator Corey Worrell highlighted the continued evolution of the FLITE initiative. Initially piloted last year in 13 schools—six primary and seven secondary—the programme focused on Class Two students in primary schools and second formers in secondary schools. This year, all students in those year groups will have access to the programme.

One of the major changes this year is the introduction of a separate curriculum for remedial classes, following evaluations that revealed a mix of remedial and regular students in some classrooms. 

Worrell explained: “All 13 schools that participated last year are returning. However, we have split the remedial classes. Those schools with remedial classes will now participate in Term Two, which allowed us to develop a completely new curriculum specifically for them.”

In addition to expanding the programme to remedial classes, FLITE will now be extended to special needs schools. The Irving Wilson School, which contributed to the design of a new workbook, is set to implement the programme in Term One, while The Ann Hill School will join in Term Two.

Worrell projected further growth for the initiative, with the potential to include up to 25 schools by Term Two, as more institutions express interest. 

“Just yesterday, two more schools expressed interest,” Worrell said, indicating that discussions are ongoing to finalise participation.

The programme’s scope has also widened beyond the regular school year. Two new initiatives—the Post Exam Programme (PEP) for Class One and Fourth Form students, and the FLITE Summer Programme—will engage students during the summer months, with the latter set to be integrated into national summer camps next year.

Worrell commended the programme’s facilitators, noting their crucial role in FLITE’s success. This year, over 40 facilitators applied, with 16 selected to guide the schools. These facilitators are expected to begin their roles by the third week of the term. To support continuous improvement, a new 3-2-1 Review tool has been introduced, allowing facilitators to reflect on successes and identify areas for enhancement.

“We recognised that our facilitators needed additional support,” Worrell added, referring to the recently launched facilitator enhancement training workshop, conducted by global leaders and the Inspired Leadership Solutions Group.

Energy and Business Minister Senator Lisa Cummins noted that the programme aims not only to boost financial literacy among schoolchildren but also to equip the public to seize business opportunities, especially in key industries like energy. She stressed the importance of fostering small business development and empowering individuals to create multiple income streams, describing this approach as part of a “new mindset” vital for Barbados’ economic future.

She reiterated the government’s commitment to integrating financial literacy across all sectors of society, starting with the youth. 

“The FLITE workbooks launched last year, and the new workbook this year, aim to teach our children how to manage their money effectively,” she said. 

Senator Cummins stressed the importance of equipping young people with financial skills from an early age, helping them navigate complex financial systems and invest in their futures.

The minister also connected financial literacy to broader economic goals: “Financial literacy is about developing an entrepreneurial economy, a growth-driven economy, and opportunities for empowerment and franchise inclusion.”

Senator Cummins further highlighted the need for Barbadians to focus on creating generational wealth, a concept that she said transcends individual success and ensures that businesses and wealth continue to grow across generations. 

“How do you make sure that you have created family trusts or family offices to ensure your business doesn’t die with you? That’s what financial literacy is about,” she said. 

(LG)