Young Caymanians Gain Financial Literacy Skills

During an awards ceremony held on Thursday, 17 July at the Intergenerational Hub, 28 young Caymanians were celebrated as the first cohort to complete the Youth Financial Literacy Programme (FLP). The FLP is led by the National Youth Commission (NYC) in partnership with the Youth Services Unit (YSU) and the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage. The recipients were presented with certificates and also received a monetary award for successfully completing the in-person final assessment. The event marked a major milestone in the Ministry’s efforts to empower young Caymanians through education and practical life skills.

The FLP is aimed at equipping young Caymanians between the ages of 14 and 25 with essential financial skills to support their transition into adulthood. From understanding how to budget and save to exploring investing, retirement planning, and cryptocurrencies, the course prepares these enthusiastic individuals for real-world financial challenges and opportunities. It also aligns directly with two of the Ministry’s key priorities of Talent Identification and Development and Enhancement and Empowerment of Youth.

At the ceremony, young recipients were congratulated for their interest in securing a strong knowledge base. Delivering remarks, Hon. Isaac Rankine, Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage shared, “You are truly leading by example and we are very proud of what you have achieved. Please involve other young people in your circles, and encourage them to join the programme.”

The ceremony and the programme, were both made possible through public-private partnership. Hon. Minister Rankine extended his sincere gratitude to the programme’s sponsors stating, “the charitable donation of the Mubarak Ali and Family Foundation reflects their commitment to empowering our youth. Strengthening their financial wellbeing has a direct positive effect on our wider community. On behalf of the Ministry and by extension the Cayman Islands Government, I thank them for this generous investment in their future — one that will equip them to make informed decisions, build stability and achieve long-term success.”

Following remarks by the Foundation, a short address was delivered by Ogier, the ceremony sponsors. Youth also enjoyed tokens of appreciation sponsored by Scotiabank. The night’s proceedings closed with networking and refreshments as sponsors, youth and Government officials mingled to celebrate and engage with FLP recipients.

Centred around the McGill Personal Finance Essentials course, the FLP includes an online 3-hour course (self-paced) comprised of eight (8) core modules, along with two (2) bonus modules. A

final in-person assessment is required to complete the FLP and attain the monetary award. To learn more about this youth programme visit, www.nationalyouthcommission.ky  or to get involved email, YouthFLP@gov.ky .