Story by Owen Mandovha
THE Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has launched a nationwide School Monetary Policy Challenge aimed at promoting financial literacy among learners and identifying the country’s inaugural Child Reserve Bank Governor.
The competition, launched in Harare this Tuesday in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, will see primary school pupils competing at district, provincial and national levels, with finalists selected to become the Child Governor and deputy governors of the central bank.
At a local primary school in Harare, Grade Seven pupils demonstrated growing awareness of national economic affairs, correctly identifying the central bank, its Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu and the April 2024 introduction of the ZiG currency.
Director Corporate Affairs Mrs Melody Harry, said the challenge seeks to cultivate economic awareness and leadership among young Zimbabweans.
“The inaugural challenge is taking place this year in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, whereby competitions will be held at the district, provincial and national level. The finals will select the Child Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor together with his or her deputies,” she said.
RBZ Chief of Staff, Dr Moris Mpofu, said the programme comes at a critical stage as Zimbabwe continues strengthening financial literacy and consolidating gains from ongoing currency reforms.
“This is a very important competition and we need to ensure that we create the next generation of conscious young people who know their economy. It comes on the back of the introduction of the ZiG currency, which was introduced two years ago and forms part of our communication and promotional strategies. We hope that it will create a robust platform for education and financial literacy,” he said.
The initiative is expected to provide learners with a broader understanding of monetary policy, banking and economic governance while nurturing future leaders in the financial sector.
