Smart Money for Smart Teens
A Financial Literacy Project by 3rd Year Students at Scoil Aireagail
Scoil Aireagail Crowned National Financial Literacy Champions
Empowering Future Generations through Student-Led Innovation
Scoil Aireagail, Ballyhale, continues to shine on the national stage as its 3rd Year students proudly brought home the School Impact Award for the Mixed/Large Group Financial Category at the prestigious AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards. The award-winning project, “Empowering Future Generations: A Student-Led Financial Literacy Book & Community Initiative”, is the latest chapter in Scoil Aireagail’s growing reputation as a school committed to excellence, innovation, and real-world learning.
At the heart of the project was the student-created book Smart Money for Smart Teens—an engaging financial guide written by teenagers, for teenagers. Funded by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) as part of Global Money Week 2025, the project brought financial literacy to life for young people, tackling vital topics such as budgeting, saving, banking, online scams, loans, and taxation.
In an ever-evolving world where artificial intelligence is rapidly replacing knowledge-based jobs, Scoil Aireagail students went beyond rote learning. Instead of simply memorising facts, they developed the real-world skills required for the jobs of tomorrow—skills that are at the core of the Junior Cycle Key Skills Framework. Students demonstrated excellence in Managing Information and Thinking through research and analysis; Communicating through public speaking, writing, and presenting their work to diverse audiences; Being Creative through layout design and illustration; Working with Others through peer collaboration and intergenerational workshops; Managing Myself by meeting deadlines and setting goals; and Staying Well through promoting financial confidence and self-efficacy. This project is a living example of the Junior Cycle’s mission to equip students with the competencies they need to thrive in learning, life, and work.
The timing couldn’t be more relevant. While the CSO reported inflation at 2% this March, families across Ireland are still feeling financial pressures. The CCPC’s Financial Wellbeing in Ireland report (2023) found that 1 in 3 Irish adults are just getting by financially and 1 in 5 have been victims of financial fraud—a stark reminder of the need for strong financial education in schools.
Scoil Aireagail’s students didn’t just study finance—they lived it. They led workshops in local primary schools, spoke on KCLR radio, raised over €600 for Ballyhale St. Vincent de Paul, and hosted an intergenerational event with the Mullinavat Active Retirement Group, where they exchanged money lessons for homemade scones and brown bread recipes.
Reflecting on the experience, one student shared, “I learned how to properly save my money, which will help me with things like college, a new car or a phone. It’s something I’ll always use.” Another student added, “We worked with friends and made memories—but more than that, we created something that helps other young people.”
Parents were equally impressed. “I have been very pleasantly surprised recently by the mature views my son has expressed in relation to finances. Now I know where it came from,” one parent wrote. Another added, “It has definitely opened my son’s eyes. He now understands taxes, budgets, and online safety. He’s proud of the book and it gave him a real sense of achievement.”
The AIB Future Sparks programme, part of the bank’s drive for economic inclusion, aims to equip young people with the life skills they need to thrive. According to AIB’s research, 79% of Irish teens want to learn more about managing money—a call Scoil Aireagail answered with creativity and heart.
The project was spearheaded by Ms. Rita Dooley (Business Teacher) and Mr. Denis Carrigan (Home Economics Teacher) and made possible through the collaborative effort of all Scoil Aireagail staff, whose support and encouragement helped make this ambitious project a success.
The school received €2,000 in prize money, which will be used to purchase digital equipment, further investing in future-ready education.
This award-winning initiative also aligns with Ireland’s first National Financial Literacy Strategy (2025–2029), which promotes financial wellbeing and resilience across all ages. As financial literacy becomes a national priority, Scoil Aireagail is proud to stand at the forefront, proving that when students are empowered to lead, communities thrive.
Principal of Scoil Aireagail, Helen McTighe, praised the students and staff for their dedication and impact: “This project is a testament to the power of student voice and the transformative potential of education when it’s connected to real life. Our students not only gained practical skills, but they also made a tangible difference in their community. We are incredibly proud of them and grateful to our staff for fostering such a meaningful and forward-thinking learning environment.
