Tuesday, November 12, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto, Ontario – November 12th, 2013 – Enactus Memorial, a team comprised of University students from Memorial University in Newfoundland, introduced Change Matters to one thousand, three hundred young school children last spring in three provinces. The results were very encouraging and this fall they have expanded to six provinces.

"Change Matters is a program designed to help elementary school children learn financial life skills at an early age, so they can begin to develop good habits and decision-making skills around money," said Allison James from Enactus Memorial. "Our goal is to engage the students on the importance financial education in a fun and learning manor. We have based the lessons and activities with the assistance of a book series called The Zela Wela Kids that was developed specifically for young children. The stories and activities help the students learn these critical lessons in a fun, relevant and effective way. The program uses a values-based approach, so the messages are meaningful to the children personally whether we are discussing needs and wants, wish lists, saving, giving or goals."

This fall Enactus Memorial developed Change Matters into a six-week program measuring both qualitative and quantitative results. "The teachers have been very excited about the program and spread the news to other teachers, allowing the pilot to expand quickly. We encourage the activities from the program to be continued at home so the children share what they learn with their parents. The students have loved the interactive sessions, it's a very fun and effective learning environment for everyone involved," commented James. One of the teachers participating in the pilot study stated, "they [the students] were having a lot of fun in the session. They got excited about what kinds of things they would save up for and which charities they would like to contribute to."

The Enactus team are continuing to expand Change Matters nationally and would be happy to provide anyone more information about offering the program in their school.

Contact:

Allison James

709-764-6702

ajames@enactusmemorial.ca

About Enactus Memorial

Enactus Memorial is a student-run volunteer organization operating out of Memorial University of Newfoundland. This award-winning organization is comprised of volunteers representing all undergraduate faculties at Memorial University. Formerly known as SIFE Memorial, our parent organization recently underwent a name change and we are proud to transition to our new name, Enactus, in 2012. Our mission statement: "To create local solutions to global economic challenges" in developing outreach projects within both the university and community. From helping our brave Canadian veterans start businesses, to showing kids in Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada how to Be Green, our projects reach a diverse number of audiences across our country. Our 13 projects reach individuals of all ages, and address needs of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, social responsibility and environmental sustainability. With projects running on local, provincial, national and international levels, Enactus Memorial is recognized as creating a sustainable impact around the world.