Youth Empowerment Symposium To Tackle Financial Literacy

The Youth Services Unit (YSU) will host its third annual Youth Empowerment Symposium (YES) at the Marriott Resort from September 17-18. This year’s theme, “Money Matters: Empowerment through Financial Literacy,” aims to equip young people with practical knowledge and tools to improve their financial well-being.

The two-day event features a School Delegates Conference for students aged 12-18, selected from public and private schools across the island. This daytime conference will include interactive talks and activities exploring key topics such as budgeting, investing, money management and financial goal-setting.

To extend the reach of the initiative, YES will also offer a Young Adult Evening on September 18 from 6:00 to 8:30p.m. targeting persons aged 18 to 30. This free event includes dinner, a networking reception and an interactive panel discussion with young Caymanian professionals sharing their insights and tips.

Young adults are especially encouraged to RSVP as space is limited. Discussions will focus on financial literacy, goal-setting and building one’s financial future. RSVPs should be submitted by 10th September at: https://www.youthservices.ky/event-details/yes-2025-young-adults-evening  

“Our main goal is to engage youth across ages groups through practical hands-on learning,” states Head of Youth Services Unit, Mrs. Mellony Bryan-Waugh. “Our presenters include professionals and institutions from the financial sector, whose support will is important in preparing young people to navigate today’s economy.”

The Symposium is sponsored by the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage, the YSU along with bronze sponsors: Credit Union, Scotiabank, Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development, and KPMG. It is a key initiative that Hon. Isaac Rankine, Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage, recognises as essential to the success of young people. 

Minister Rankine noted, “Empowering our youth with financial literacy is an important investment in their personal development. Early exposure helps young people make more responsible decisions, break cycles, be innovative and inspire interest in career paths in our financial services sector, entrepreneurship and other related fields. The symposium is the perfect launch pad for our young people to learn skills that will enhance and empower their future.”