Aiming at Consolidating Financial Awareness Concepts among Youngers SEDD concludes “Little Economist” Program

Sharjah Economic Development Department “SEDD” concluded the "Little Economist" program, a unique training initiative targeting employees' children. The initiative aims to develop financial and economic awareness among young people and equip them with life skills that will prepare them for creative thinking and financial responsibility. This program is organized as part of the initiatives that coincide with "UAE Year of Community."

This program had 15 participants from SEDD employees’ kids and included a series of interactive workshops and educational sessions, most notably a workshop on savings, expense maps, and balanced budgeting. In addition, introductory workshops were held on entrepreneurship, the Masar license, and the Business Stars initiative.

The program also included activities and competitions, including the "Best Project" competition which aims to foster a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship among participants. Evaluation criteria were based on the creativity of the idea, financial feasibility, simplicity, and added value to society or the environment.

Additionally, winners received prizes and certificates of appreciation. Also, participants learned how to transform ideas into practical plans, calculating costs and profits. The competition contributed to encouraging entrepreneurial thinking and boosting self-confidence among participants from a young age.

Commenting on this program, Noura Al Zarouni, Deputy Director of Support Services Department at SEDD, emphasized that the initiative comes within the Department's commitment to building an economically conscious generation capable of understanding the concepts of money and sound financial planning from an early age. She added, "Through this program, we seek to instill the concepts of financial awareness and sound economic behavior in an enjoyable, interactive environment that contributes to strengthening children's personalities and developing their skills."

She added: “This initiative embodies SEDD’s commitment to empowering youth and strengthening community ties between employees and their families, reflecting the country’s drive of adopting 2025 as UAE Year of Community and supporting sustainable development plans by investing in people first.”

It is worth mentioning that the last day of the program included a ceremony to honor the participants, announcing the winning project in the competition. Certificates and gifts of appreciation were distributed to all participants as well. Aldo, SEDD confirms that the "Little Economist" initiative is part of a series of community initiatives it has launched, with the aim of engaging employees and their families in quality programs that enhance corporate affiliation and consolidate the concepts of comprehensive economic development through empowerment and early awareness.