Prudential set to expand programmes for Bangkok school kids

Prudential Life Assurance aims to expand its educational programme on financial management in schools in Bangkok and its outskirts.

The programme stresses the principles of earning, saving, spending, and donating wisely.

"Throughout the 17 years that Prudential Life Assurance has established its business in Thailand, the company has given importance to organising social activities continuously in parallel with its business operation," said Binayak Dutta, chief executive officer of Prudential Life Assurance (Thailand). "The company has supported projects and activities that are fruitful for society, especially those that help strengthen families and youth."

This school programme began in 2011 as a collaboration between Prudential Life and Junior Achievement Thailand, with volunteers from the insurer instructing children aged between five and seven years (Kindergarten 2 to primary school Grade 1).

The text for the instruction was adapted from international courses to fit in well with Thai society. The text content is fun and easy to understand and features colourful pictures.

After its success as recognised by children and teachers in the first year of the programme, the company last year extended it to include children up to 12 years of age (Grade 6). The course has been adapted to match with the Cartoon Network's "Cha-Ching" programme.

The purpose of this activity is to inspire thinking and create guidelines for children to become disciplined with saving money and spending wisely, and to be aware of the importance of education.

Tell tales, play games

Grade 1 children at Wat Kaew Jam Fa's school talked about their involvement in the programme. "I am so happy that you came to tell tales, play games with me," said one. "When are you coming back again? I want my sister to learn like this too."

A teacher at the same school added: "I never knew before that we could educate children about money matters, how they get money, how they spend and donate it. Prudential's activity, apart from being useful for children, is also useful for teachers.

"When I'm back home, I shall start teaching my daughter about saving, spending and sharing. I wish Prudential would organise these activities here every year."

Older students at Wat Dok Mai School also spoke favourably about the programme. "Today I've learned a lot of thing about spending money," one said. "From now on, instead of buying toys or luxurious spending, I shall think before using money and will donate to those who need it more than I do."

A teacher at that school said: "Thanks to you all from Prudential who came to teach the children. Normally the school doesn't have an opportunity to teach about spending money directly, so it is a good opportunity for this group of children to receive these lessons.

Prudential introduced the programme to 14 schools in 2012 and will increase that number this year. It has extended a request for support from the Department of Education of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.