Raine Santiago Nakpil, a Communications
student at the University of the Philippines-Diliman and an alumna ambassador
of the 2016 pilot cohort of the Cha-Ching programme, is a testament to the
growth and influence of financial literacy education among young learners.
Her journey demonstrates the transformative
power of the globally acclaimed financial education programme, Cha-Ching. Created
by Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm in Asia and Africa of
Prudential plc, Pru Life UK’s parent company, Cha-Ching was introduced in the
Philippines in 2016, together with Junior Achievement Philippines.
The programme comprises animated, music-based
cartoons created in collaboration with Cartoon Network Asia and Emmy
award-winning Children’s Educational Specialist, Dr. Alice Wilder. It also
includes a school curriculum that aims to cultivate positive money values, knowledge,
and behaviors in children.
A
Testament to Cha-Ching's impact
Reflecting on her experience, Raine shares, “One of my fondest memories as a child was
watching Cha-Ching on my parents’ old television, during the afternoon when my
eleven-year old body was weary and worn from a long morning attending middle
school. The upbeat songs have been stuck in my head until now, and I still
enjoy hearing my favorite characters enthusiastically sing “Earn, Save, Spend,
and Donate” over and over again. Those little tunes, uncomplicated yet
infinitely meaningful, have shaped me in terms of how I approach my financial
management eight long years later.”
Cha-Ching not only foregrounds the importance
of financial literacy but illustrates the multitude of benefits of instilling
these principles in young learners' minds, providing them with the tools they
need to make informed financial decisions at a young age.
Programmes like Cha-Ching therefore play a
pivotal role in making financial education accessible and engaging for children
by integrating fun and relatable characters into the learning process.
“I still
credit Prudence, the epitome of being empowered despite her unassuming
demeanor, for my goal to be financially independent. I hear Charity urging me
to give back to the people and communities who have made me the person I am. I
recall Justin, telling me to save up for the future. I remember all six
Cha-Ching characters, who helped demystify finances for me. What started as
simple lyrics have transformed into values I live by today,” Raine adds.
Expanding
Cha-Ching’s Legacy
Prudence Foundation, in partnership with
Junior Achievement Philippines, recently celebrated a milestone event for
Cha-Ching’s reach of over one million students nationwide who have learned basic
money management skills through its financial literacy programme. As of
February 2024, Cha-Ching has trained 28,000 teachers nationwide, primarily
through its partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd).
The milestone event reflects Pru Life UK and
Prudence Foundation’s dedication to building long-term resilience among
Filipino families and communities through financial education and inclusion
initiatives.
The success of Cha-Ching demonstrates the
potential of strategic partnerships in advancing financial literacy nationwide.
As highlighted by Sanjay Chakrabarty, President & CEO of Pru Life UK,
Cha-Ching's growth signifies a shift towards integrating financial education
into the national curriculum, contributing to a more financially literate
society.
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| Raine as one of the volunteers during the Cha-Ching one million milestone event. |
Raine expressed her gratitude to the team
sharing, “While I recognise that I have
been molded by Pru Life UK’s commitment to championing financial literacy, what
I would truly like to thank them for is encouraging me to march to the beat of
my own drum. However, it is comforting to know that if ever I find myself lost
or struggling, I can always return to my Cha-Ching family’s music, who join me
in harmony to continue promoting financial responsibility for the youth.”
Today, Raine remains actively involved as a
programme volunteer, generously dedicating her time to sharing her knowledge
and experience with aspiring young learners.
With the continued support of Pru Life UK,
Prudence Foundation, and educational institutions, Cha-Ching remains a
cornerstone in equipping young Filipino students with financial literacy skills
to build a brighter, more resilient, and more secure financial future.
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