Schoolchildren in Pembroke Dock are celebrating after winning a prestigious Credit Unions of Wales award.
Pupils at Pembroke Dock Community School received the School Partnership Award after running a successful junior savings scheme which not only teaches children the importance of financial wellbeing, but also develops their literacy and numeracy skills.
The school launched their Junior Savers Club with SaveEasy Credit Union in November 2019 and despite the Covid-19 lockdown period now have a growing number of children and staff saving regularly.
Headteacher Michelle Thomas explained: “We recognise saving money as a key life skill which is something our pupils have learned due to the junior saving club and will hopefully take that skill ahead in their future lives.
“SaveEasy Credit Union have been amazing to work with and during the last two years have undertaken a number of financial awareness activities across the school which our children have genuinely benefited from. This award celebrates this partnership and we’re really proud of it.”
Chief Executive Officer of SaveEasy Credit Union Janine Marenghi said: “The school savings club has given children an appreciation for saving money and the benefits this brings. We’ve even had children visit us to pay extra money into their savings aside from the weekly collection.
“Recently we invited children to our office for a money-themed morning. During the visit the young savers role-played what it’s like to work at the Credit Union followed by an interactive money lesson exploring how we earn money and what we can to do with it once we have it.”
Pembroke Dock Community School is one of nine winners of this year’s Credit Unions Awards which is sponsored by the Welsh Forum of the Association of British Credit Unions Ltd (ABCUL) with support from the Welsh Government.
Robert Kelly, Chief Executive of ABCUL, said: “The Credit Unions of Wales Awards illustrate the commitment and dedication of businesses, workers, organisations, members and volunteers towards the global credit union movement.
“It shows how credit unions are building communities and helping people manage their finances for a better future.
“Congratulations to all of the winners for all that they do to further the incredible work of ethical savings and loan providers across Wales.”
