Young people aren't exposed to financial literacy and its importance during their schooling and the Papakura Youth Council wants to help correct that.
The group of volunteers aged 14 to 24 focus on increasing youth community engagement and represent rangatahi in different aspects of advocacy and community affairs, working to 'be the change to sustain our future generations'.
Now it’s hosting a ‘financial literacy’ event for Papakura’s young people to learn about growing their personal finance with Girls That Invest on 7 July at Karaka Pavillion at 10 Hinau Road, featuring self-styled ‘millennial women of colour who invest’ Simran Kaur and Sonya Gupthan
Sim and Sonya have carved out a worldwide audience with their website and podcasts dedicated to taking the mystery out of talking about money.
Both are advocates of closing the gender wealth gap and believe women can do that by understanding more about money, financial systems and the sharemarket, a world of jargon and barriers that can be broken through.
Their podcast, often revealing their own ups and downs, has become New Zealand’s number one financial podcast, and has grown to enjoy large audiences in the United States, England and Canada.
Sim and Sonya have published a Girls That Invest book and say investing is not just for already successful people.
“To have an equal world people need to be in control of their money,” Sim says. “Women and minorities have less of it to begin with.”
Papakura Youth Council Chair Kritika Sealach says the pair don’t advise what to invest in, rather provide the confidence needed to get started and speak with a financial advisor.
“Financial literacy is a core life-skill for participating in modern society, and at some stage we all need to take charge of our financial futures and understand their importance.
“I’m grateful to be on a platform where I can lead a fun event with an inspiring and passionate team working for our community’s young people. Attendees will learn about personal finance, money, building assets and investing to turn their dreams into reality.”
Papakura Local Board Chair Brent Catchpole says the Youth Council provides board members with valuable insights into the views of younger residents.
“The are innovative and not afraid to try new things. This Girls that Invest event will be a great chance for young people to see the sharemarket isn’t just for older folks, and that the more you understand the better off you’ll be.”
Links to register have been sent through high schools, or those interested can also register using the youth council’s Facebook page here, or Instagram account.
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