ASPIRE program aims to foster saving habits and investment knowledge among St Kitts and Nevis

The Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew officially launched the groundbreaking ASPIRE (Achieving Success through Personal Investment, Resources, and Education) program. This programme was launched in front of hundreds of primary and secondary school students during a large Independence youth rally held at the Warner Park.

The Programme promises to bring revolution by aiming at eliminating poverty and inequality from the nation. Under ASPIRE, the authorities of St Kitts and Nevis aims to provide every child with the tools and equipment they require to thrive and prosper.

Under this programme, every child ageing from 5-18 of St Kitts and Nevis will receive an EC$1,000 contribution from the government. This contribution will be later divided into two parts, EC$500 to be held in a savings account at St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank and the other EC$5000 to be invested in shares of local, government-owned entities.

This programme will also be coupled with financial education to be delivered in schools. While shedding light on it, PM Terrance Drew stated that this financial education, savings, and investment program will prepare the children of St Kitts and Nevis to build successful financial futures.

“This revolutionary program is the first of its kind in the region and is exclusive to St. Kitts and Nevis,” noted PM Terrance Drew.

Prime Minister Terrance Drew shared a video of the children expressing excitement about the launch of the programme. Children shared that “September 2024 marks the official start of ASPIRE and Government has a super cool gift just for us.”

Under this, the students will also learn about how to manage their money wisely at school too. “I can’t wait for September 2024 when I join the first group ever to benefit from the program. Yayy, to saving, investing and watching our money grow”

This innovative approach undertaken by the Government shed light on their unwavering commitment and dedication towards fostering both saving habits and investment knowledge among young people. The authorities aim to help and guide young people to build them wealth from an early age.

Notably, the Government of St Kitts and Nevis hosted the inaugural Independence Youth Rally. This rally was a part of the activities to mark the 41st Anniversary of St. Kitts and Nevis’s Independence.

The event was started with a march from Port Zante to the Warner Park Cricket Stadium with the several young people donning the national colours of green, yellow, black, white and red.

The students were entertained by folklore performances, dancing, and singing. There were also impactful presentations that motivated the students to avoid negative habits of substance abuse.