#Bocas2018: When You Work Hard and Save

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“When you work and save, you can get what you want,” profoundly stated an excited Sherisse (9 years old) after listening to author, Aisha Acres, read from her book ‘The Money Adventures of Mike Murray and Friends’ as part of the 2018 Bocas Lit Fest Children’s Programme. The book introduces ten year-old Mike Murray who has to brainstorm and follow-through with a plan to go on a family vacation and attend a gaming expo abroad without handouts or the immediate help from family and friends. 



This interactive reading was done in the Children’s Reading Room to a room full of children of various ages. The children discussed self-reliance, creativity in finding jobs, goal-setting, saving, honesty and determination. One parent revealed that she didn’t think that these seemingly ‘adult’ topics could be taught to children. However, Acres proved her wrong as she asked questions and made the session quite interesting even for adults. Children asked questions, were listened to and were helped to think deeper on ways that they could take control of their finances.



On the flip side, the 25 minute interactive reading session proved to be a bit much for one child who commented that the book was ‘boring!” Obviously, Acres made all efforts to make her book interesting and by all responses, her goal was met. However, the comment of this young one brings to mind the fact that many of our young ones are accustomed to fast paced games and videos at the tip of their fingers. Most of which, simply contain entertainment value. Many of our citizens lack financial literacy and one young one may have lost out on a valuable life lesson because, for him, anything that doesn’t contain fast paced graphics and loud noise is ‘boring.’ Definitely a point for parent and educators alike to think on and work hard to change!
The Money Adventures of Mike Murray and Friends is available online at Amazon.com. 



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