Building Foundations for Future Success: JA Learning Experiences for Children
November 24, 2024
As one of the world’s largest and most-impactful youth-serving nonprofits, JA delivers hands on, immersive learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial health for students as young as 5 and as old as 25. Today, we’re celebrating World Children’s Day by reflecting on the most impactful learning experiences for elementary- and primary-school aged children across Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and the United States.
JA Africa
In Africa, JA fosters entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy from an early age. Through interactive activities and hands-on projects, children learn the basics of money management, business operations, and the importance of innovation. JA Africa offers the Cha-Ching learning experience teaches financial literacy through a television series featuring Nigerian youth and games. “JA Our Nation” for older primary-school students teaches practical information about a nation’s free market system, businesses and careers. It also introduces the concepts of entrepreneurial and innovative thinking. Learn more about JA Africa’s learning experiences.
JA Americas
Across Canada, Central America, and South America, JA's learning experiences like “JA Our Community” introduce children to the roles individuals and businesses play in a community and the importance of teamwork and collaboration. “JA More Than Money” introduces students to financial literacy and entrepreneurship, and to social studies learning objectives that include money-management skills, goods and services, and global markets. “1, 2, 3 Finanzas!,” a new learning experience offered in 2024, reaches learners in their homes through regional news channels, covering concepts such as expenses, payment methods, purchase decision making, savings, and investments. These learning experiences help children gain a sense of responsibility and an understanding of how they can contribute to their communities. Learn more about JA Americas core initiatives.
JA Asia Pacific
In the Asia Pacific region, JA emphasizes creativity and critical thinking. The award-winning financial education program Cha-Ching, developed by Prudence Foundation, provides a 360-degree platform to help instill money-smart skills in children as young as seven. “JA Our Families” teaches young learners how family members’ jobs and businesses contribute to the well-being of the family and the community. These experiences help young learners build confidence and problem-solving skills, essential for navigating the challenges of the modern world. Learn more about JA Asia Pacific’s learning experiences for primary-school children.
JA Europe
In Europe, JA's initiatives focus on financial literacy and entrepreneurship education. Learning experiences like "JA Our Families" help children understand the economic roles of family members and the basics of budgeting and financial planning. These early lessons in financial literacy are crucial for developing responsible and informed future citizens. Other popular learning experiences for children include “JA Our Community,” “JA Our City,” “JA Our Nation,” and “JA Our Region.” Read more about JA learning experiences in Europe.
INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA
In the MENA region, INJAZ provides learning experiences that encourage innovation and resilience. “JA More Than Money” and “JA It's My Future” teach children about financial literacy, career exploration, and the value of perseverance. Other learning experiences like “JA Our Families” and “JA Our Nation” equip young learners with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Learn more about INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA’s learning experiences.
Junior Achievement USA
In the US, Junior Achievement offers a wide range of learning experiences tailored to the needs of children. "JA Ourselves" introduces kindergarteners to the concepts of individual choices and the role of money in society. As children progress, programs like "JA Our Nation" provide insights into the nation's economic system and the importance of entrepreneurship. Designed to be engaging and age-appropriate, these learning experiences ensure children develop a strong foundation in financial literacy and business acumen. Learn more about Junior Achievement USA’s learning experiences for children.