The SMC Group, in a move to equip young Jamaicans with essential financial literacy and investment skills, has launched ‘InvestTeen’ through its corporate social responsibility programme SMC Teach.

A free week-long programme, InvesTeen will introduce 100 young learners between 14 and 16 years old to the world of investments, providing them with the foundational knowledge necessary to navigate their financial futures with confidence.

“This programme is designed to equip students with the investing fundamentals needed to start their lifelong investment journey,” said Kerry-Ann Henry, the coordinator for SMC Teach. “Financial literacy is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Through InvesTeen, we aim to demystify the world of investments for our students and empower them to make informed financial decisions as they prepare for their future.”

SMC Teach was initially created to support students in the Caribbean and the United Kingdom whose education was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over time, it has evolved to focus on preparing students for their final school examinations and the critical transition from school to the workforce. The introduction of the InvesTeen programme marks a significant expansion of SMC Teach’s mission, emphasising the importance of financial literacy as a key component of modern education.

The InvesTeen curriculum will cover a broad range of topics essential for budding investors, including an introduction to markets, asset allocation, the time value of money, and risk management. This comprehensive approach ensures that students will not only learn theoretical aspects but also gain practical insights into how investments work to build wealth.

“InvesTeen is more than just a course; it’s an opportunity for young people to gain a head start in financial literacy. By understanding how to manage and grow their money, these students will be better prepared for the future. We believe that this knowledge will have a profound impact on their lives, helping them to achieve financial independence and security,” Henry said.

The programme by the marketing and communications firm will be hosted at the Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM) from August 12 to 16, with a stellar line-up of instructors, including MSBM’s Dr Twila Mae Logan; Martin Nesbeth, chief financial officer & co-founder of Carbyne Capital, among others.

To kickstart their investment journeys and apply what they’ve learned, SMC Group will also provide opening deposits for each participant upon completion. Registration for InvesTeen opened July 22 and will close on August 9. Interested students can register at www.smcteach.com.

Given the limited number of spots available, early registration is highly encouraged.