Media Release September 6 2012
Big Demand for Financial Literacy in ACE Sector
ACE Aotearoa, the lead agency for adult and community education applauds the introduction of Money Week to highlight the
need for better financial literacy and money management. The week coincides with Adult Learners’ Week/He Tangata
Mātauranga.
ACE Aotearoa Director Dr Jo Lake says financial literacy is very much core business for the ACE Sector with programmes
offered all over the country in many different settings.
“Financial literacy is important for everyone. We all need to understand how to cope when unexpected expenses crop up
like repairs to a car or appliance.“
Pale Sauni who runs financial skills workshops for Pacific communities supports the need for more education in money
management. “Financial education that is designed, delivered and relevant in a Pacific cultural context is proving to be
the most successful way to engage the minds of our Pacific people and it is assisting them to make changes in
prioritising obligations.”
During Adult Learners’ Week/He Tangata Mātauranga, September 3-9, adult learners all over Aotearoa will celebrate the
benefits of adult learning whether it’s upskilling for a better job, preparing for further study, improving life skills
or getting fit and having some fun.
The week is supported by the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO and incorporates International Literacy Day on
September 8.
New Zealand has a strong culture of adult learning and every year tens of thousands of people take part in some form of
community learning. This year’s celebration which was launched in Blenheim on September 3, highlights the benefits of
intergenerational learning and its impact on families and communities.
Jo Lake, says parents with skills in financial literacy will have a huge impact on the behaviour of future generations
because when they model good money management their children will begin to understand its importance in everyday life.
Adult Learners’ Week/He Tangata Mātauranga is organised by ACE Aotearoa.
For more information see the website www.adultlearnersweek.org.nz