We have all thought at some point that there should be a subject on financial education at school from the early stages. Or, at least, a space in the annual study plans in which they would teach us how a bank account works, how to save or how to manage our money to make better decisions in the future. At the moment, beyond elective subjects at some levels, the most similar thing that exists in Spain to quality financial education are the initiatives that arise in the banking entities themselves.
One of the most notable examples in our country, due to its age and impact, is that of ABANCA and Afundación, its social work. Since 2015, these organizations have led an ambitious financial education program that seeks improve the understanding of money in Spain both in children and among older people. Last year alone (2023-2024), the activities organized within this program reached a total of 202,492 people.
Know the value of money from an early age
The program recognizes schoolchildren and secondary school students as a priority group. Promoting financial education from an early age allows us to cultivate an awareness of savings that, ultimately, benefits the financial health of future adults. In this context, ABANCA and Afundación have implemented innovative digital tools that facilitate the assimilation of key concepts.
Among the most notable proposals are three digital-based programs: “Segura-Mind”, “The crazy adventure of savings” and “Put your money safe”. These free courses cover a variety of topics – from savings management to cybersecurity – and are designed to adapt to the new financial skills that, according to the EU and the OECD, must be promoted in the face of an increasingly complex and modern financial environment .
More than 190,000 students have improved their financial culture through these innovative initiatives (online or in-person), which combine fun and learning effectively.
A festival in Spain to teach financial education to children
«Segura-Mente: The Great Festival» is the new edition of Segura-Mente. In its seventh year, this initiative encourages 2nd and 3rd grade Primary, Secondary and Basic Vocational Training students to organize a school festival through an online game that teaches them financial concepts.
The objective of this event will be raise funds to carry out a classroom activity or an excursion end of course. In this way, teamwork is encouraged and values such as effort are internalized. In addition, the festival has to be sustainable and promote the cultural value of the center’s surroundings.
It should be noted that Segura-Mente’s practical approach has been recognized by institutions such as the Bank of Spain and the National Securities Market Commission, which underlines its value in the current educational landscape.
For its part, “The Crazy Adventure of Savings” is a interactive game that teaches children to differentiate between needs and desires, promoting responsible consumption. This program, aligned with the LOMLOE principles, helps younger students understand the importance of saving in an accessible and fun way.
Meanwhile, “Put Your Money Safe” addresses cybersecurity, a crucial issue in a world where digital threats are omnipresent. 2nd cycle ESO students learn to identify scams and protect themselves in the digital sphere, essential knowledge to navigate today.
In addition to these three programs that offer school supplies to work in the classroomthe bank also maintains support for other financial education initiatives such as the Young Business Talents program. In this case, we are talking about a business simulation game that offers participants the opportunity to live the experience of managing their own company. In its last edition, 11,400 young people participated.
Train the elderly to avoid scams
Financial education is not limited to youth. ABANCA also strives to include older people in this educational revolution. With initiatives in the “Espazos +60” and training programs in rural areas, the bank seeks to improve the inclusion and financial security of the senior group, a group that often needs greater support in the digitalization process. It is planned to reach around 14,000 older people with these workshops this year.
This approach ranges from practical use of ATMs to fraud prevention. In addition, advice on cybersecurity is provided, so that they can identify the most common forms of scams and, thus, avoid them. Knowledge about mobile banking is also offered and any questions that may arise are resolved.
The face-to-face sessions are structured so that participants acquire not only theoretical knowledge, but also the confidence to apply what you have learned at ATMs, computers or mobile phones. In addition, visual materials are offered that facilitate continued learning.
In the first two editions of the program, in 2022 and 2023, a total of 114 training actions were carried out in which About 1,200 people participated. So far, 53 sessions have been organized in 2024.
In the end, the connection between financial education and social well-being is evident. The economic decisions we make directly impact our quality of life. But, as Spain moves towards a more digital and globalized future, the challenge of educating is greater. For this reason, programs such as ABANCA and Afundación are not only desirable, but essential for build a strong economic future and a more informed society. A challenge that is as rewarding as it is complex, which involves constant evolution on how to make attractive a topic that is often considered arduous or tedious.