#Japan #Tokyo #Financial Education #FES Contest #Yuucho Bank

Introduction

Recently, the Japan Financial Education Support Organization has announced the launch of the '3rd FES Contest® Supported by Yuucho Bank'. This initiative aims to involve elementary schools and local governments in the evaluation process of financial education short videos created by middle and high school students. By encouraging elementary students to participate, the program hopes to make financial education more relatable and personal for them.

The Concept of FES Contest®

The FES Contest® is a national educational event where videos explaining financial concepts in simple terms are created by older students and presented for younger students to learn from. Until now, the evaluation of works by elementary students has been limited only to optional sessions organized by tutoring schools or NGOs. This year, however, for the first time, elementary school teachers have requested that their students formally participate in the judging process, thereby making financial education a shared learning experience.

Objectives of Including Elementary Students in Judging

Given the lowering of the legal adult age and the prominence of social media, issues surrounding money are becoming more relevant to increasingly younger audiences. Simple instances like game purchases show that kids need to develop the ability to engage meaningfully with money matters. The program is aligned with the goals set by the Financial Services Agency to equip children with the essential life skills necessary for independence and a better quality of life.

Enhancements for the 2025 Program

This year, the process for elementary student participation is uniquely structured to ensure clarity and understanding. With advice from experienced teachers, assessment forms were crafted to help facilitate a straightforward evaluation of the videos. Notable schools, like Fukushima City’s First Elementary School and Suita's First Elementary School, actively engage and test this innovative model.

Benefits for Schools and Local Governments

The purpose of this initiative extends beyond simple video evaluation. With the introduction of structured lesson plans accessible for schools, this program aims to enhance the quality of financial education and lesson delivery without overwhelming teachers. It promotes multifaceted learning where students grasp broader meanings and applications of money while developing their critical thinking and self-expressiveness.

Advantages for Schools

1. Quality of Education: Offers structured lesson plans that teachers can easily utilize.
2. Blended Learning: Ensures integration of varied insights into financial literacy and application in real life.
3. Critical Skills Development: Fosters logical reasoning and expressive capabilities in students.

Advantages for Local Governments

1. Improving Community Literacy: Encourages collaboration between different age groups to uplift overall financial understanding in the community.
2. Leading Education Models: By adopting this approach, municipalities can showcase progressive educational practices to differentiate themselves from others.
3. Sustainable Educational Practices: Efficiently lighten the load on educational boards by employing quality lesson plans from external sources.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

The Japan Financial Education Support Organization aims to expand its 'Generational Linked Financial Education' model nationwide, with hopes that elementary students can evaluate financial education content crafted by older peers in the future. Through programs like the '3rd FES Contest®', financial literacy and education can evolve, adapting to contemporary societal needs while preparing students for their fiscal futures. The competition's results will culminate in a ceremony featuring numerous awards for outstanding contributions from various participants, further motivating the pursuit of financial knowledge among youth.