Financial education is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity, especially in a country where young people make up 60% of the population. Egypt has embraced this reality through the groundbreaking School Bank initiative, led by the Central Bank of Egypt in partnership with the Ministry of Education, to equip children with the skills needed for a financially secure future.
The program brings financial learning directly into the classroom by integrating it into the school curriculum and providing students with 15 hours of hands-on lessons throughout the academic year. It was designed with a clear goal: to go beyond theory. Lessons are highly interactive, engaging both teachers and students while leaving space for creativity and flexibility. This approach ensures that learning remains enjoyable and practical rather than overwhelming.
To support teachers—many of whom initially felt unsure about teaching financial concepts—extensive training was provided to build their understanding, confidence, and comfort in presenting the material. This helped transform the classroom experience into one where financial literacy became fun and approachable rather than intimidating.
A major factor in the program’s success has been collaboration. From the earliest stages, NGOs and the banking sector were brought on board alongside the Ministry of Education. Banks added tremendous value by creating simple financial products specifically for young learners, allowing students to apply what they learned in real-world situations. This hands-on exposure reinforces financial awareness well beyond school grounds.
The impact is already visible in students’ homes. Children are becoming financial decision-makers within their families—planning shopping lists before supermarket trips, comparing prices, checking expiry dates, looking for discounts, and identifying opportunities to save. They are not only learning; they are teaching, passing their knowledge to their families and influencing smart financial behavior at home.
For other countries or central banks planning to implement similar financial education programs, the key lessons from Egypt’s experience are clear: carefully design content that is simple, engaging, and interactive; start small and scale gradually; involve the banking sector early to strengthen outreach and practical learning; and ensure early commitment from the Ministry of Education to secure long-term sustainability.
The School Bank initiative proves that financial inclusion begins in childhood. By teaching students how to save, budget, and plan, Egypt is empowering an entire generation with confidence and resilience. These children are not just learning about money—they are building the foundation for financially healthy lives, today and for the future.
