For its sixth edition, Money Week will resolutely take a digital turn. Today, Queen Mathilde has held a video chat with schoolchildren who were playing a budget game in class. During Money Week, the Prime Minister and several federal government Ministers will teach an online class on a financial topic. Students will have a chance to put their questions directly to the Ministers.
Money Week is an initiative of Wikifin, the financial education programme of the FSMA (Financial Services and Markets Authority). The aim of the themed week is, as always, to focus on money matters: shining light on the importance of financial education. Numerous activities are offered in the schools all week long.
Students can attend online classes taught by government Ministers
During this 6th edition of Money Week, students in years 2 and 3 of secondary school will have the opportunity to attend one or more classes taught by Ministers via videoconference, depending on their teacher’s choice. On the day of the class chosen, students will be able to put questions to the minister, who will reply in person.
The following classes will be offered between 22 and 26 March 2021:
- Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister, 'From barter to bitcoin: the evolution of means of payment in an increasingly digital economy'.
- Pierre-Yves Dermagne, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Economy and Labour: 'The labour market and the jobs of the future'.
- Vincent Van Peteghem, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, in charge of the Fight against Tax Fraud: 'Why do individuals pay tax? What obligations do Belgians have in this area?'.
- David Clarinval, Minister of Small Businesses, the Self-Employed, SMEs and Agriculture and Institutional Reform: 'What is the difference between the self-employed status for individuals and for companies?'.
- Karine Lalieux, Minister of Pensions and Social Integration: 'The workings of the social security system'.
- Eva De Bleeker, State Secretary for the Budget and Consumer Protection: 'The State budget and advice for managing your own budget'.
- Jean-Paul Servais, Chairman of the FSMA: 'Sources of financing for businesses: from bank loans to crowdfunding'.
The detailed schedule is available on www.wikifin.be. The Ministers’ classes will then be made available to all teachers to use in class. They will be accessible on the Wikifin School platform, in the ‘teachers’ space on Wikifin.be. This initiative meets the growing demand for digital materials, and will be added to all the educational programmes offered to teachers who wish to incorporate financial and responsible consumer education into their classes.
Students in year 1 of secondary school play the Wikifin Quiz
On Wednesday, 24 March, students in year 1 of secondary school will compete in the 3rd edition of the interactive quiz on money organized at the initiative of Wikifin and Febelfin.
The aim is to help students learn more about money questions and hone their financial skills. This event is much appreciated by both students and teachers, who can prepare their classes drawing on the educational materials available on Wikifin School.
Primary school pupils can play the Just’in Budget educational game
This game familiarizes pupils in years 5 and 6 of primary school with how to manage a budget. The pupils are required to meet financial obligations while making consumer choices.
Each year, more than 70,000 pupils play this game in class during Money Week. Today, Queen Mathilde held a video chat with two classes that were playing the game Just’In Budget. The classes involved were year 5 at the Mariaschool in Tervuren and year 6 of the Ecole libre de Soignies- Carrières.
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo: 'Money Week teaches young people to handle money matters and make financial decisions reasonably. I hope that many young people will become interested in taking a deeper look at the benefits of a strong economy and what they themselves can do to contribute to it. In the coming years, we will after all be needing all their talents to guide our country out of the current crisis.'
Jean-Paul Servais, Chairman of the FSMA: 'With Money Week, we involve more than 70,000 pupils each year in the financial education activities offered by Wikifin, the financial education programme of the FSMA. For the 2021 edition, we have slightly modified our approach and are offering new activities by videoconference with top line guests, including government Ministers, who will teach classes virtually. A fine opportunity that enables students to put their questions directly to the political representatives, all of whom are experts in their field.'