Irish Funds Financial Literacy Programme – Making an Impact

Following the February mid-term break, there was fantastic engagement in nine schools across eight counties. So far, this academic year, the programme has reached over 500 students in 18 schools across 11 counties. Led by industry volunteers, students have been learning about financial literacy, digital finance, sustainable investing, and essential life skills. Additionally, all students had the opportunity to set up their Financial Times Schools portfolios. As always, a huge thank you to our sponsor Deloitte for the continued support.

Completed schools:

• Kinsale Community School, Cork: Grace O'Mahony from Deloitte.

• Presentation De La Salle, Carlow: Saoirse Power and Elaine Halligan from State Street, and Irish Funds intern Sophie Walsh delivered sessions with Conor Cassidy from Deloitte presenting certificates and pins in the final session.

• Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny: Karl Dullea and Mairead Buckley from State Street and Irish Funds intern Sophie Walsh delivered sessions with Conor Cassidy from Deloitte presenting certificates and pins in the final session.

• Loreto Clonmel, Limerick: Aislinn O'Keefe and Joan Heuston from Waystone led the sessions, with Susie Cummins from Deloitte presenting certificates and pins in the final session.

• Castletroy College, Limerick: Richie Ryan from Northern Trust and Irish Funds intern Sophie Walsh delivered sessions, with Aisling O'Sullivan from Deloitte presenting certificates and pins in the final session.

Schools starting the programme:

• Gaelcolaiste Na Mann, Cork: Peter Higgins from Clearstream and Irish Funds intern Conor McGuinness.

• Athlone Community School: Eibhlin Johnston, programme coordinator, Ciara Summers from Deloitte and Irish Funds intern Claudia Moran.

• St. Eunan's, Donegal: Charlene Kennedy and Enda Dooley from PGIM, Conor Gillespie from Deloitte, and Pat Lardner from Irish Funds.

• Loreto Letterkenny: Charlene Kennedy and Enda Dooley from PGIM and Conor Gillespie from Deloitte, and Pat Lardner from Irish Funds.

Feedback:

A teacher commented, "There was a great fun aspect to the programme, and TY students were very engaged in the content while learning at the same time. The students were delighted to receive a certificate at the end."

Regionalisation:

Students at St. Eunan’s College and Loreto Convent Secondary School Letterkenny had engaging first sessions with Pat Lardner from Irish Funds, Conor Gillespie from Deloitte, Charlene Kennedy, and Enda Dooley from PGIM, all joining Eibhlin Johnston to lead the activities. This visit reinforced the importance of collaboration in driving regional development and expanding financial literacy initiatives and the significant role the funds and asset management industry plays across the country.

Thanks:

A note of thanks to our fantastic industry volunteers and to programme coordinator Eibhlin Johnston and Irish Funds team, Natasha Haugh, Paula Morley, Claudia Moran, Conor McGuinness and Sophie Walsh.