Initiative targets girls ages 11 to 19
A new Aruba financial education initiative called “Girls Just Wanna Have Funds” aims to give girls practical money skills and greater independence. According to English 24ora, Nancy Maya, founder and director of Aruba Kidpreneurs Stichting, also known as Kids Inc. Aruba, launched the program for girls between 11 and 19.
Participants will learn budgeting, saving toward goals, investing, pricing a product, negotiating, and starting a small business. The program will also use a business simulation and adapt lessons to participants’ ages.
Lessons include credit and financial safety
Younger participants will focus on earning, saving, and decision-making. Older participants will also study banking, contracts, credit, debt, and warning signs of financial control in relationships.
Maya said the purpose is to prepare, not frighten, participants. The curriculum addresses economic abuse, which can include controlling someone’s accounts or salary, blocking work or study, withholding money for essentials, or pressuring a person to assume debt.
Foundation seeks broader financial literacy
Aruba Kidpreneurs Stichting provides financial and entrepreneurship education to young people in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Maya said the foundation has advocated for financial education in Aruba’s school system for more than 13 years and remains open to cooperation with government and community partners.
