EMI promotes a saving attitude in children
EMI promotes a saving attitude in children
Encouraging people to save is a core activity of Ekphattana Microfinance Institute (EMI) and one which should be started at a very early age.
The institute took part in celebrations for International Children's Day on Friday under the theme “I love Saving” at the Vientiane Education and Sports Department, where many hundred children from around the city actively participated in games and activities intended to promote a saving attitude.
EMI entered into partnership with Child Social and Financial Education (AFLATOON) in 2011 to promote self-learning, saving, basic financial concepts and enterprise in children at almost 10 primary and secondary schools in Vie ntiane and the provinces.
As a result, nearly 1000 savings accounts were opened by children with total deposits amounting to approximately 200 million kip.
At the Friday function EMI Director General Mr Somphone Sisenglath said “developing a saving attitude in our clients, particularly the children, is among the key elements in our service. We strongly believe that only savings can enrich our customers. So we are here to help brighten the future of our nation by showing people how to make savings work for them.”
At the EMI Booth, children can play games and do other activities not only for entertainment but also for the cultivation of a saving habit and for financial planning.
“Our activities are not solely about saving money, as we inform the children about how to save electricity, water, the environment, education materials and so on,” added Mr Somphone.
EMI, the first licensed microfinance institution in Lao PDR, remains committed to and focused on servicing the poor and middle income households without access to regular financial services. As of April 2013, almost 4000 clients have gained access to EMI's loan service with an average loan of more than 4,000,000 kip per account. The company has a main headquarters, 6 districts branches and 2 sub-branches serving customers in 11 districts in both Vientiane and Vientiane province.
vientiane times
