Bankee: Kuwait’s First Hands-on School Financial Literacy Program

 

Empowering Future Generations with Financial Literacy

 

 

Bankee is an innovative financial literacy program designed for elementary students in Kuwait’s public and private schools. Through a fun, hands-on learning experience, Bankee equips young learners with essential knowledge and practical skills to thrive in the financial world. The program fosters responsibility, ethical behavior, and sound decision-making, helping students gain the confidence they need to navigate future financial challenges.

 

At the heart of Bankee is the classroom economy model, a dynamic approach that allows students to learn the value of money, budgeting, and responsible financial behavior in a simulated, real-world environment.

A Collaborative Vision for a Stronger Future

The Bankee program was developed in partnership with Creative Confidence and National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), driven by a shared commitment to enhancing financial literacy in Kuwait.

 

The program's implementation is supported by the Ministry of Education and Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), ensuring that it reaches a wide network of schools and aligns with Kuwait’s educational goals.

 

Bankee is closely aligned with NBK’s ESG strategy, reflecting the bank’s commitment to promoting financial literacy and supporting long-term social responsibility initiatives that benefit the wider community.

 

This partnership ensures the program’s sustainable growth and impact across Kuwait.

 

From Innovation to Implementation

Bankee started as an innovation challenge in 2022, explored by participants in the Tamakan Graduate Program. The concept was refined through rounds of exploration, testing, and development, led by Creative Confidence.

 

As the knowledge provider and implementer, Creative Confidence played a key role in shaping the program, ensuring that it is not only engaging and interactive but also accessible to students of all backgrounds.

 

The program integrates financial concepts into the curriculum in a way that is practical and easy for young learners to grasp.

Expanding the Program’s Reach

What began as a pilot program in 2022-2023 with just 9 schools has grown substantially due to its success.

 

By 2023-2024, Bankee expanded to 30 schools, impacting 16,000 students and involving over 3,000 teachers.

 

The program’s next phase is set to include 60 schools, further broadening its reach and making financial literacy education a key part of the student experience in Kuwait.


 

 

Creating Meaningful Change

 

Bankee is a testament to the positive change that can be created through collaboration. By equipping students with practical financial skills and fostering responsible financial behavior, the program is helping to shape a more financially aware generation that can contribute to the long-term prosperity of Kuwait.

Aligned with NBK’s broader ESG goals, Bankee not only addresses educational needs but also contributes to social impact through financial empowerment. Together with its partners, Creative Confidence continues to refine and expand Bankee, ensuring that more students can benefit from this essential learning experience.