National Numeracy Day 2023

Numeracy is important for the future academic success of a young person and provides them with vital life skills, and at The Switch, we have numerous programmes that put numbers at their core. From Abacus to Number Partners to Money Matters, our young people build confidence with numbers and learn about their real life importance.

Abacus is a family financial literacy programme engaging children and their parents in Tower Hamlets funded by the Lloyd’s of London Foundation. Each term, Year 5 pupils take part in 5 in-school sessions all about money and insurance, while bringing the world of work to life.

Pupils gain an increased knowledge of financial terms, products and concepts, a deeper appreciation for the value of money, and attend two trips to the Bank of England Museum and the Lloyd’s Building.

Forida Islam, Global Community Engagement Manager at Lloyd’s, volunteered for Abacus this academic year at her old primary school. We spoke with her about her experience returning to Marion Richardson Primary School and volunteering for Abacus.

What made you want to volunteer?

“I wanted to go back to my old school and give back to the community where I grew up. It was really special going back to my old classroom and being able to speak to the young students and tell them that I was sitting in those very classrooms years ago not knowing that one day I’d have the opportunity to come back and talk to them about my career and be able to inspire the next generation of talent.”

What was covered in the session and what did you do as a volunteer to support the session and students?

“The session introduced the concept of financial literacy where the students got to find out about the history of money, money today and what it might be like in future. I really enjoyed listening to the students talk about all the cool and innovative ways they think technology will shape the future and money!”

How did you find your volunteering experience – what did you enjoy?

“It was a great day volunteering and meeting other volunteers from across the insurance market. Everyone had wisdom to share and the students got a lot out of it!”

What did you gain from volunteering e.g. on a personal or professional level?

“It definitely left me walking away feeling inspired by the young students themselves. We forget how much we can learn from them and hearing their creative and innovative ideas really made me think about how I can apply that in my own job! I would encourage everyone to use their volunteering time to take part in programmes such as this.”

Numeracy and financial literacy are core to a young person’s development and preparing them for the world of work, they’re skills we use every day and anyone can share that knowledge with the next generation. If you work in the Lloyd’s Market, keep a look out for all our upcoming volunteering opportunities to support our programmes that change everything for a young person in Tower Hamlets.

Find out more about our programmes.