What’s Right With Our Schools: Wee Savers

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Parents are making their children earn every dollar down to the last penny.

Students at Alexander II Magnet School in Macon are learning the value of money thanks to Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

During the last day of the three week program called Wee Savers, second grade students received help from sorority members counting up their savings.

Teacher Shelby Long hosted the program through her sorority.

“Parents encouraged me and other members of my sorority to ask the kids to earn their money by doing chores and different things, so they can actually see how money builds up,” says Long.

Long adds the program fit perfectly with her January curriculum.

“…It applies well with our social studies standards, as far as economics are concerned, as well with their skills with learning different coins and how to count money.”

It is an opportunity for parents and companies like MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union to instill life lessons early on.

MidSouth Marketing and Business Development Representative, Jarred Kelly, spoke to the children about saving their money.

“Starting at a young age is crucial,” Kelly says, “The younger you are, the more understanding of money you’ll have. It’s just going to lead to better things in the future.”

Student Derek Davis saved a total of $23 for doing chores for his grandmothers. The sorority gave Davis $5 for being one of three top earners in the class.

Davis says life is easier with more money in the bank.

“You can do better stuff by saving money,” says Davis.

Long adds, “I’m a parent. The biggest fear is: will my child be able to survive in the real world?”

It is a question many other Wee Saver parents want the answer to.

All parents were invited to attend the last day of the program.

The savings challenge taught parents Tierra Thorton and Jessica Willis how to show their kids the value of a dollar.

“He [Thorton’s son] thought that I was just getting money from the bank, and I didn’t have to put the money in,” says Thorton.

Willis adds, “When she [her daughter] earned it on her own she actually…she didn’t want to spend her money. She wanted to save her money.”

When the money started rolling in, like most parents, Thorton’s child wanted to get to work.

“Can I do this? Can I do that for some money?” Thorton said, “So, I had him doing all kinds of things like seasoning chicken for instance, for like 50 cents. It was pretty cool.”

Other parents agreed that the program was a valuable life lesson.

“This has taught me and my daughter a lot about saving money,” says parent Vertisha Howard.

Wee Savers taught Howard how to help grow her child’s understanding of money.

“I learned to give her chores and make her work for what she wants, instead of always giving it to her,” says Howard.

Long adds, “It’s really teaching them personal responsibility, and giving them pride and a sense of work ethic.”

Ethics in good financial habits for the next generation.

“So you [parents] can feel confident and comfortable sending your child out in the world knowing that they’re going to be successful, because they know the value of their coins,” says Long.

Click here to learn more about Wee Savers.