TEACHERS IN SAINT KITTS BEGIN TRAINING FOR ASPIRE FINANCIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts, October 08, 2025 (SKNIS) – The ASPIRE Programme (Achieving Success through Personal Investment, Resources and Education) advanced another key milestone on Tuesday, October 07, 2025, with the start of a Train the Trainers Workshop for Teachers held at the Bernice White Lecture Room, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Headquarters. The pilot training session forms part of the national financial education initiative designed to equip students with essential money management skills.

Educators from the Washington Archibald High School and the Basseterre High School participated in the inaugural training session, which was developed to prepare teachers to deliver the ASPIRE Financial Education Curriculum effectively across primary and secondary schools. A second session is scheduled for Wednesday, October 08, 2025, in Nevis.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, addressed teachers and education officials during the opening ceremony, highlighting the transformative potential of financial literacy in breaking cycles of poverty and promoting sustainable economic empowerment.

“If we are able to introduce a programme like this where we give our students the knowledge, the skills, the capacity to really grow in this sphere of financial education and financial advancement, then they can start on the starting line and not behind it trying to catch up,” Prime Minister Drew said. “If we are able to give our students financial education and the soft skills they need, we will properly prepare them for the world they have to live in.”

Developed in collaboration with the ECCB, the ASPIRE Programme introduces age-appropriate financial concepts and practical lessons in budgeting, saving, investing, and financial planning. Classroom sessions for students are expected to begin later this school term (November–December), with two one-hour sessions per week at participating schools.

Throughout the implementation phase, the ASPIRE team will continue to provide ongoing guidance and support to teachers. The initiative aims to foster responsible financial habits, encourage entrepreneurship, and empower young people to make informed financial decisions that positively shape their futures.

“This initiative gives our young people the necessary tools to advance themselves and, by extension, to transform Saint Kitts and Nevis,” Prime Minister Drew added.

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