On June 13, 2012, SEDPI facilitated its “Financial Literacy for Teens” training to approximately 1,459 fourth year high school students in Silang, Cavite. The Sisters of Mary Schools (SMS), a non-stock, no-paying, live-in institution for the marginalized poor in the Philippines houses the students. The school chooses students from poor families all over the Philippines and reside in either the Boystown or Girlstown.
In partnership with PTC-CSJ Foundation, SEDPI trained a total of 890 girls and 569 boys. The participants were divided into two training events: one was conducted in Boystown and another in Girlstown. Each training event was composed of a plenary of participants, who were eventually divided to six breakout groups. The training focused on the importance of personal finance, budgeting, managing expenditures, setting financial goals and creating a savings plan. By using the life of Mr. Edwin Salonga as an example, SEDPI stressed that financial literacy can help the youth have better control of their future. It also provided the students with knowledge and tools which they could use to better manage their finances once they start working.
For four years, the students are enrolled in an educational program that includes an intensive vocational and technical skills development. Towards the end of their education, the students start their on-the-job training to practice their knowledge and skills. Sister Laresa Morasa, the principal of the Girlstown, said that from the moment the students entered the school, all their basic needs are provided for. They stay in the campus for an entire year except for the annual two-week vacation after each school year. Also, the students are not allowed to bring money once they enter the school. As such, the students are not familiar with handling money. Sister Moresa added that, “since the students are about to graduate, financial literacy training is very important because it prepares them for when they leave the school and the support it provides.”
The students received the training well. Many commented that financial literacy will indeed be an important step towards achievement of their goals. In one of the breakout sessions, participants shared that the training will be of great help, not only for themselves, but also for the journey of their families to move out of poverty. One student even said that, “I am so inspired… I want to become an entrepreneur!” Another added that she was inspired by the life of Sir Edwin through the examples that the trainers shared. The trainers – SEDPI’s Program Manager, Emilenn Kate Sacdalan and SEDPI’s Program Officers, Florence Adviento, Enid Madarcos, Denise Subido, Cherryl Si, Charmie Lising and Romeo Arahan, Jr. – were all rated excellent in terms of delivery, knowledge and overall skills as resource persons. In particular, the students commended the trainers for making the discussions lively, easy to understand, and relevant.