In an innovative leap into early childhood education, [SINGAPORE] has seen the launch of the UOB Learning Playzone at The Artground, part of the Goodman Arts Centre. This vibrant play space offers children, as young as four, an engaging introduction to financial literacy through hands-on activities and role-playing scenarios.
A Creative Learning Environment
Stepping into the UOB Learning Playzone is like entering a lively marketplace. Kids find themselves transformed into little entrepreneurs as they role-play as both buyers and sellers in a bustling bumboat “marketplace.” Here, they learn the basics of trade by interacting with staple items like fish, fruits, and vegetables. By providing tools such as a money stamp card, children track earnings and expenses, instilling foundational budgeting skills.
Inspiring Young Minds
According to Leonard Tan, UOB’s head of group corporate social responsibility, the initiative is part of UOB’s broader efforts in community engagement. “Through playful, educational exposure, we are fostering an environment where young minds learn the essential value of money management,” Tan explains. This focus aims specifically at aiding disadvantaged communities, providing them with indispensable skills that resonate beyond the classroom.
Artistic Connections
The Playzone is not just about finance; it is infused with rich artistic elements. A special play area allows children to design their own currency with recycled materials, letting their creativity shine. UOB, with its deep-rooted support for the arts, ensures that these learning experiences connect with their artistic initiatives, emphasizing that education can be both enlightening and entertaining.
Volunteers Make a Difference
The heartwarming scene at the Playzone is bolstered by nearly 20 UOB volunteers who interact with the children. Denise Wong, a group retail senior officer at the bank, reflected on the experience as “meaningful,” adding that volunteering allowed her personal growth alongside exploring creativity. These interactions are crucial, offering children role models who contribute positively to their development.
Building on Community Initiatives
The Playzone complements UOB’s other educational endeavors, such as its support for the Fresh programme which educates older children about nutrition and budgeting through hands-on grocery shopping experiences. Such programs showcase the bank’s commitment to nurturing future generations with life skills that add tangible value to their everyday lives.
A Long-term Vision
Set to run until October 20, the UOB Learning Playzone represents more than just a temporary entertainment. It’s designed to instill a lasting understanding and appreciation of financial literacy, intertwined with creativity and fun. As stated in The Business Times, the Playzone is a promising step forward in merging education with innovative play, ensuring kids are prepared for the future.
The final curtain will fall October 20, so there’s still time to witness this groundbreaking educational space where financial wisdom meets youthful imagination.
