FMDQ Group PLC (“FMDQ Group”), Africa’s leading financial market infrastructure group, has successfully wrapped up the 5th edition of its Financial Literacy Summer Camp Programme, an initiative under its flagship corporate social responsibility arm, the FMDQ Next Generation Financial Markets Empowerment Programme (“FMDQ-Next”). This year’s Programme, which ran from August 7 to 30, 2024, at FMDQ’s Exchange Place in Lagos, provided students with invaluable insights into the world of finance, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for a financially literate future.
The 2024 FMDQ-Next Summer Camp saw the participation of 130 students from various backgrounds, ranging from primary school children aged 8-10 to secondary school students aged 11-16. The fully funded Programme was divided into two streams, each tailored to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of financial markets, covering topics such as savings, investments, and the roles of different financial market participants. Through interactive exercises and practical sessions, students were able to engage with complex financial concepts in an accessible and enjoyable manner.
One of the highlights of the Programme was the immersive experience provided to secondary school students in currency trading, facilitated by FMDQ Q-Hub’s cutting-edge trading simulation platform. This hands-on experience allowed students to manage virtual portfolios, navigate risks, and execute trades in a real-time environment, offering them a taste of what it means to operate in the financial markets. The top three performers in this competition were rewarded with laptops, tablets, and the exciting prospect of future internship opportunities at FMDQ Group. Primary school participants were also recognized for their outstanding achievements, with awards presented to the top three finalists in each stream.
Beyond financial education, the Summer Camp also encouraged participants to express their creativity through talent shows that featured music, drama, and dance performances. This balanced approach ensured that students not only learned important financial skills but also developed confidence and teamwork through creative expression.
The positive impact of the Programme was echoed by both parents and participants. Mrs. Temilola Ademiluyi, a parent who enrolled three of her children in the Summer Camp, expressed her gratitude, saying, “This Programme has been an enriching experience for my children. I was impressed by how it combined financial markets education with fun activities, helping them grow in confidence while learning important life skills.” Michael Iwuchukwu, a secondary school student from the College of the Immaculate Conception in Enugu State, shared his excitement, stating, “I learned so much about the financial markets, the roles of various market players, and the importance of savings and investments. It was an unforgettable experience, and I will cherish the friendships and memories I made here.”
Commenting on the success of the Programme, Ms. Kaodi Ugoji, Group Chief Operating Officer of FMDQ Group, said, “We are immensely proud of the enthusiasm and commitment shown by all the students during the 2024 Summer Camp. Our aim of combining theoretical learning with hands-on experience was achieved, providing participants with real exposure to financial markets. We are thankful to the students and their parents/guardians for their trust, and we wish them the best in their future academic and personal endeavours.”
As the FMDQ-Next Summer Camp concludes another successful year, FMDQ Group reaffirms its commitment to fostering financial literacy among the next generation. Since the launch of FMDQ-Next in July 2018, the initiative has positively impacted over 1,182 participants through various programmes, including Summer Camps, Excursions, Virtual Financial Literacy Sessions, Trading Challenges, and Internships with FMDQ Group. Through its innovative initiatives, FMDQ Group continues to empower young minds, ensuring a sustainable and financially literate future for the next generation.
