By Chioma Obinagwam
In line with its dedication to enhancing financial literacy among the next generation, FMDQ Group PLC (“FMDQ Group”), through its flagship corporate social responsibility initiative, FMDQ Next Generation Financial Markets Empowerment Programme (“FMDQ-Next”), successfully concluded the 5th edition of its Summer Camp Programme (“the Programme”). This annual Programme, designed to foster financial markets education among students from primary and secondary schools, was hosted at FMDQ’s business complex, Exchange Place, in Lagos from August 7 – 30, 2024.
FMDQ told Confiance News in a statement on Wednesday.
The 2024 edition of the FMDQ-Next Summer Camp Programme witnessed the participation of one hundred and thirty (130) students from diverse backgrounds, ranging from primary (ages 8-10) to secondary school (ages 11-16). The fully funded Programme was conducted in two separate streams, providing participants with essential knowledge of financial markets, including understanding savings, investments, and the roles of various financial markets participants. The young learners engaged in interactive exercises that brought financial concepts to life, while enjoying a tour of Exchange Place and its world-class Archives. Participants also had the unique opportunity to interact with the Chief Executive Officer of FMDQ Group, Mr. Bola Onadele. Koko, and other senior executives, gaining valuable insights into the world of finance.
The secondary school students enjoyed an immersive experience in currency trading, thanks to FMDQ Q-Hub’s state-of-the-art trading simulation platform. Through this interactive system, students learned to manage virtual portfolios, mitigate risks, and make profitable trades in a real-time environment. The top three students in this competition were rewarded with exciting prizes, including laptops, tablets, and the chance to secure future internship opportunities at FMDQ Group. Not to be left out, the primary school participants also received prizes for their excellent performance, with awards given to the top three finalists in each stream. Beyond financial markets education, the Summer Camp Programme also offered an avenue for participants to express their creativity through talent shows featuring music and drama. Participants showcased their skills in singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments, highlighting the Programme’s balanced focus on education and personal development.
The parents/guardians and participants were thrilled with the Programme’s impact and shared their positive feedback. Mrs. Temilola Ademiluyi, who registered three children for the Summer Camp, remarked, “This Programme has been an enriching experience for my children. I was impressed by how it combined financial markets education with fun activities, helping them grow in confidence while learning important life skills”. Michael Iwuchukwu, a secondary school student from the College of the Immaculate Conception in Enugu State, also shared his excitement, stating, “I learned so much about the financial markets, the roles of various market players, and the functions of different participants. Additionally, I gained an understanding of key financial instruments such as bonds, stocks, commodities, treasury bills, and derivatives, as well as the importance of savings and investments. It was an unforgettable experience, as I made new friends from diverse backgrounds and age groups, and I will cherish those moments forever”.
Also commenting on the Programme, Ms. Kaodi Ugoji, Group Chief Operating Officer of FMDQ Group, said, “We are immensely proud of the enthusiasm and commitment displayed by all the students throughout the 2024 Summer Camp Programme. Our goal of blending theoretical learning with hands-on experience was met, as the participants were given real exposure to financial markets. We are grateful to the amazing students and their parents/guardians for their trust, and we wish the participants the best in their future academic and personal endeavours”.
As the FMDQ-Next Summer Camp Programme wraps up another successful year, FMDQ Group remains committed to empowering young minds with the tools and knowledge needed for a financially literate future. Since FMDQ-Next launched in July 2018, over 1,182 participants, from primary students, through to fresh graduates, have been positively impacted through five Summer Camps; seven Excursions; eight Virtual Financial Literacy Sessions; 16 Trading Challenges; and 13 Internships with FMDQ Group.
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