Wealth management firm Equilibrium is continuing to promote financial literacy in schools – thanks to its book entitled Libby’s Big Aeroplane Adventure.
The book, focusing on central character Libby who flies from Toronto to Manchester to visit her grandparents – with the family having a financial budget for her stay – is now being used by 11 schools.
Both Equilibrium and the book’s author David Evans described financial literacy as ‘vital’ in primary school education.
David, who gave evidence to a Parliamentary Inquiry into the importance of teaching financial skills to young people in 2017, was handpicked by Wilmslow and Chester-based Equilibrium to carry out the project.
He was present as was Ewloe Green Primary School’s Helen McLellin, when they joined teachers from Cheshire’s Springfield Primary School, Hale Preparatory School and Malpas Alport Endowed Primary School for an introduction to the book at Equilibrium’s offices in Wilmslow.
David said: “Libby’s Big Aeroplane Adventure is fun, relatable and includes brilliantly loveable characters, so we are delighted to continue its roll-out.
“With research showing that just under half of all adults’ numeracy skills are equal or less than that expected of an 11-year-old, it’s important that people are engaged from an early age. Primary education is vital to financial literacy.”
Brightly illustrated, Libby’s Big Aeroplane Adventure sets its readers several challenges in the form of real life scenarios, such as setting budgets and crossing time zones. The use of a fictional story allows children to learn new financial skills and apply them without sharing their own financial position.
Debbie Jukes, Partner at Equilibrium, which currently manages over £750 million of assets for over 1,000 families, said the company has now given out almost 700 books to schools in North Wales and Cheshire during the current academic year.
She said: “Understanding how money works from an early age is very important. The knowledge and skills gained will serve them well as they progress through life. We’ve no doubt it plays a big part in empowerment too – financial literacy will give them a better understanding of how to manage their finances and avoid unnecessary risks and excessive debt.”