Financial Education at El Hogar & End of Year Celebrations
November 25, 2024El Hogar is dedicated to providing a quality education, and part of that is teaching our elementary students important life skills. One way we do this is through our Financial Education Project, which helps students learn how to manage money and have practical experiences about financial management—an area crucial for personal development but often overlooked in the national education system.
Through this program, students learn how money works for individuals, families, and communities. They practice saving, setting goals, and planning how to use their savings. These lessons help them understand how to manage money wisely, and make decisions that can help them improve their quality of life.
At the start of each school year, students in grades 1-6 set a savings goal and plan how to reach it. Every Monday, they bring a small amount to save—10 to 20 lempiras (about 50 cents to $1). Each class has a leadership team that tracks the savings in a log. Families also play a role by collecting recyclable materials like cardboard, plastic, and aluminum, which El Hogar sells for a small profit to support the program.
At the end of the year, each class splits its savings into two parts. One part goes to a school project chosen by teachers and parents. Last year, the project money funded the purchase of a microphone and speaker set for school assemblies. This year it contributed to materials to paint the interior of the classrooms. The remaining savings are then available for students to use as they wish. Many students choose to contribute to an end-of-year class celebration, but some may opt to use their savings for a personal item. This year, one of the students in fifth grade decided to buy new shoes instead!
Clockwise: Sixth graders at Picacho National Park, First grader at Juana Lainez Park, First grade teacher and parent volunteer facilitating a game with the students, First grader at Juana Lainez Park
Even though the amounts saved are small, the program teaches big lessons. Students learn how to manage money, set goals, and work together. It also helps them feel responsible and connected to their school community. Because of its success, we plan to expand the program to the high school next year, giving even more students at El Hogar the chance to build these important skills.
Clockwise: Second grader getting ready to hit the piñata in the party room at McDonald’s, Fourth and fifth graders at a water park in Amarateca, Second graders enjoying their happy meals at McDonald’s, Fifth graders at the water park
