Every year, the International Launch of Global Money Week unfolds during the third full week of March, fostering global awareness of financial matters. The coordination of this week-long celebration is in the hands of the Child and Youth Finance International (C.Y.F.I.) Secretariat. The primary goal is to heighten awareness about economic citizenship and provide direct education to children and youth worldwide on this crucial subject.

History

Global Money Week was initiated in 2012 by Child and Youth Finance International (CYFI), an organization dedicated to increasing financial inclusion and economic citizenship education for children and youth worldwide. Since its inception, GMW has grown into a significant global event involving millions of children, youth, and adults.

Key Goals

1. Financial Literacy: Increase the financial literacy of children and youth to prepare them for a financially stable future.
2. Economic Citizenship: Promote economic citizenship among young people, emphasizing the importance of savings, planning, and making informed financial decisions.
3. Entrepreneurship: Encourage entrepreneurial thinking and skills among young people.
4. Global Awareness: Foster a global understanding of financial issues and the importance of economic participation.

Themes

Each year, Global Money Week focuses on a specific theme related to financial literacy and education. For example:

• 2020: "Learn. Save. Earn."
• 2021: "Take care of yourself, take care of your money."
• 2022: "Build your future, be smart about money."
• 2023: "Plan your money, plant your future."

Activities and Celebrations

Educational Activities

1. Workshops and Seminars: Schools, financial institutions, and community organizations host workshops and seminars to teach financial concepts like saving, budgeting, and investing.
2. Competitions: Financial literacy competitions and quizzes are organized to engage students and make learning about money fun and interactive.
3. Classroom Activities: Teachers incorporate financial education into their lesson plans, using games, discussions, and projects to teach money management skills.

Community and Online Engagement

1. Community Events: Local events, such as fairs and exhibitions, are held to provide information and resources about financial management.
2. Online Campaigns: Social media campaigns and online challenges using hashtags like #GlobalMoneyWeek and #GMW are used to spread awareness and share educational content.
3. Webinars and Virtual Workshops: Given the increasing digital engagement, webinars and virtual workshops are often organized to reach a broader audience.

Importance of Financial Literacy

• Empowerment: Financial literacy empowers young people to make informed decisions about their finances.
• Stability: Understanding financial concepts helps individuals achieve long-term financial stability and security.
• Economic Growth: Financially literate individuals contribute to the overall economic growth and stability of their communities and countries.
• Risk Management: Educated individuals are better equipped to manage financial risks and avoid debt.

How to Participate

1. Educational Institutions: Schools and universities can integrate financial education into their curricula and organize special events during Global Money Week.
2. Parents and Guardians: Parents can engage their children in conversations about money and involve them in budgeting and saving activities.
3. Financial Institutions: Banks and financial organizations can offer free resources, workshops, and seminars to educate young people about financial management.
4. Youth Organizations: Youth groups can participate in or organize events and activities that promote financial literacy.
5. Government and NGOs: Government bodies and non-governmental organizations can support and promote financial education initiatives.

Child and Youth Finance International (CYFI)

Child and Youth Finance International (CYFI), the organization behind Global Money Week, aims to empower young people through financial education and inclusion. They work with various stakeholders, including governments, financial institutions, and educational organizations, to promote economic citizenship for children and youth globally.

By participating in the International Launch of Global Money Week, individuals and organizations can contribute to building a financially literate generation capable of making informed financial decisions and achieving economic stability.