FINANCIAL EDUCATION

FINANCIAL EDUCATION

We take a holistic approach to financial services by aiming to increase financial literacy and awareness. Without the right technology, vital financial management training and marketing support, clients are vulnerable to falling behind with payments. We were the first microfinance institution in Lao to offer financial education for clients on financial management topics like spending wisely, saving for investment, and choosing a loan wisely – courses can be found on our customer website. In 2019 we launched “Financial Education with Fun”, a Facebook fan page with the main objectives of educating people on financial management skills and knowledge. We also teach basic financial concepts to children in Lao and set them up with real saving accounts to deposit and withdraw money.

Our youth program began in 2011, and there are now more than 50,000 children learning about financial management with us across 62 schools in the Vientiane capital. We partner with Aflatoun International, which is the leading global children’s financial education group. We aim to educate the children of Lao in financial management skills, future planning, and inspiration with deciding on their own dream career, encouraging financial resilience and social development in Lao PDR.

This year we will train another 6,000 adults in financial literacy and an additional 25,000 students through our school partnership program. We are also developing new financial education material with the Lao Government’s Ministry of Education; our long-term goal is to have this financial training included in the formal school curriculum across Lao PDR.