Editor:
Re: January bills offer reminder to teach kids about money, Community Comment, Jan. 14
As someone who works for a non-profit credit counselling service, and also has past experience working with children/youth, Brad Sherwin's article truly spoke to me; we need to teach children and youth about finances so they can create successful futures for themselves.
I cannot tell you how many times I've heard people say, "I was never taught this in school, I've made some mistakes and now look at my situation." As often as I've heard it said, I have to agree.
Finances are not only a part of daily life, but managing them is a crucial life skill that must be taught to our youth. Financial literacy needs to be brought to the classroom.
It is important that the money memory created, as Sherwin mentioned, is one of budgeting, saving and healthy spending. Is our education system not one that is there to shape the minds of the future, so they can live healthy, successful lives?
It makes me wonder why financial literacy is not in the classroom, as it is such a valuable life skill and fundamental for future longterm success.
I've read the Delta school district wanted to create a bold vision and wants to be a leading district for innovative teaching. Its mission statement is: "To enable all learners to succeed and contribute their full potential to the future."
It seems that bringing financial literacy to the education system would be the perfect way to showcase this vision. It is something that needs to be done, and Delta could be on the forefront of creating a new, financially fit generation of tomorrow's leaders.
Rather than learn from our financial mistakes, let's educate to build better, stronger futures for our youth.
Trina Clarke
