A free programme introducing financial literacy to mature learners has been launched.

The Adult Education School on Dundonald Street is making the course mandatory for existing learners at the school, while there are limited spaces available for other residents.

The school said it is launching the six-month programme, which has been designed by Patrice Minors and a team at HSBC, as it recognised financial skills as “essential for success in further education and the modern workforce”.

Guest presenters on January 28 for the Introduction to Financial Literacy and The Basics of Money will be economist Craig Simmons and Selita Daniels of HSBC.

“The mission of the Adult Education School has always been to provide access for the Bermudian community to a range of educational opportunities,” said Arlene Brock, the school’s managing director.

“We believe it would be irresponsible to limit our learners to GED [General Educational Development] tutoring alone. Accordingly, we equip them with essential life skills.

“The financial literacy classes are so well designed and timely that we felt compelled to offer limited spaces to the broader community as well.

“We are indebted to HSBC for supporting this initiative, not only financially but with presenters.”

Participants will learn how to save and budget effectively, understand government spending, navigate global financial markets and their impact on Bermuda, and protect themselves financially.

Tanya Bule, the head of international wealth and premier banking for HSBC Bermuda, said: “At HSBC, we believe financial literacy is fundamental to individual empowerment and economic resilience.

“We are proud to support the Adult Education School’s financial literacy programme, which provides accessible, practical education that strengthens individuals, families and the wider community.

“Initiatives like this help ensure more Bermudians are equipped to make informed financial decisions in an increasingly complex world.”

The school provides “free, empathy-led foundational education and college and career readiness” for learners aged 16 and above who may not have reached their full potential academically in the traditional school setting.

The financial literacy course is offered on the last Wednesday of each month, starting on January 28, running until June 24.

For more information and to register, e-mail aesbda@gmail.com or visit the school’s social media sites on Facebook and Instagram.

Information is also available at www.aesbda.org.