SAGICOR Bank extended Star Savers Day — its financial literacy and money management initiative for children — to high schoolers for the first time when they visited Holmwood Technical High School in Manchester recently.

Approximately 900 students, ranging from first to third form, as well as their parents, had the opportunity to open bank accounts on the spot while learning about good saving habits. Each new account also received an opening balance of $1,000 from Sagicor Bank.

Kavon Walker, manager for Sagicor Bank’s Mandeville Branch, expressed that the financial institution sees healthy saving habits among children as a priority.

“It was very good to see the number of parents and students taking up the opportunity to open bank accounts today. It’s important for children to get into the habit of saving, good money management skills, and financial literacy as it lays the foundation for financial responsibilities later in life,” he shared.

“Sagicor Bank will continue to ensure we play our role in assisting children to secure a good financial future,” he continued.

The students were also treated to a fun day at which they played several exciting games, such as foot pool, life-size Jenga, laser tag, and cornhole. The Star Savers puzzle game was also a hit, with the winner receiving a tablet computer.

Nicole Campbell, parent of a first form student at Holmwood, saluted Sagicor Bank for the initiative, highlighting the importance of easy access to financial services.

“It’s great that Sagicor Bank selected Holmwood Technical as the first high school to bring this initiative to, and I appreciate that the parents and kids have a chance to open bank accounts free of cost. I have always wanted to open an account for my child, but I never got the time, so going to the schools directly is a good idea. Plus it is great that the children are being encouraged to save,” shared Campbell.

Sagicor Bank will be continuing the Star Savers Day tour to other high schools over the next few months. Since launching the initiative last year, Sagicor Bank has incentivised savings accounts for well over 2,500 students from three primary schools and one high school.