FHC strengthens youth financial literacy through Junior Credit Union Programme

As part of its continued focus on youth development and financial empowerment, First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union (FHC), jointly with its foundation, has partnered with Junior Achievement Jamaica to pilot the Junior Credit Union Programme across select high schools for the 2025–2026 academic year.

The initiative, currently being implemented in two high schools, is designed to equip students with practical financial knowledge and introduce them to the fundamentals of saving, budgeting, and responsible money management.

Two training sessions were held as part of the programme roll-out. One session was conducted at Mona High School, led by Senior Branch Manager Sheldon Christian, while the second was held at Foga Road High School and led by Branch Manager Tania Oglesby. These training sessions are intended to support the implementation of the Junior Credit Union Programme, which will be led and managed by the students themselves, allowing them to apply the knowledge gained in a practical, hands-on environment and take ownership of the credit union simulation process within their schools.

The Junior Credit Union Programme is structured around three core components: personal finance sessions, which introduce students to key financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, and understanding credit; the Junior Credit Union Simulation, which provides a hands-on experience in a simulated financial environment; and a financial seminar and closeout, designed to reinforce key learnings and highlight the importance of financial responsibility.

Through this partnership with Junior Achievement Jamaica, students benefit from a globally recognised approach to experiential learning. Junior Achievement is one of the world’s largest youth-serving NGOs, delivering hands-on learning in entrepreneurship, financial health, work readiness, and related areas, reaching millions of young people annually through schools and community programmes. This collaboration reflects FHC and FHC Foundation’s ongoing commitment to strengthening financial literacy, supporting youth development, and contributing to more informed and financially capable communities.

Both the credit union and FHC Foundation remain committed to improving the financial well-being of Jamaica’s youth through accessible financial solutions, education, and community-focused initiatives.