The Government of Barbados has announced plans to introduce financial literacy into the high-school curriculum.

The announcement was made by Sandra Husbands, Barbados’ minister of state in foreign trade and business, during her address at a youth forum for Small Business Week 2023 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre in St Michael on Wednesday (September 27).

Speaking at the forum, Husbands decreed that this educational initiative was a vital step towards equipping young Barbadians with the knowledge and skills needed to manage, save, and grow their finances effectively.

Husbands emphasised the importance of financial literacy, noting that while a financial literacy programme had already been rolled out for businesses, the government believes it is crucial to start teaching these skills at an earlier stage in students’ lives.

She revealed that the government was actively working to register all small businesses and tailor policies to support their growth and she urges young entrepreneurs to adopt a global outlook, envisioning the wider region and beyond as their potential market.

The event saw the participation of around 200 fourth-form students from 11 secondary schools across the island.