From left: JA Philippiens Senior Adviser and Mentor for Financial Literacy, Jed Velarde, FWD Life Insurance Chief Marketing & Digital Business Officer, Roche Vandenberghe, and Tipid Mommy Blogger, Grace Maulion.

FWD Life Insurance Corporation (FWD Philippines) and Junior Achievement of the Philippines (JA Philippines) announce the launch of JA SparktheDream at a media event held at the Heroes Headquarters at Shangri-La Plaza.

JA SparktheDream is a financial literacy program that integrates financial, social, and life skills education to help boost financial literacy in the country. As part of FWD Group’s 10th anniversary year community initiatives, the program aims to benefit 25,000 students across Asia-Pacific by 2024.

From left: JA Philippines' Jed Velarde, FWD Life Insurance's Roche Vandenberghe, Singer, Elha Nympha, FWD Life Insurance's Sonia Pascual, Grace Maulion, Nikkie Tumacder, Shecky Magbanua with children from the JA Philippines program.

“Nation-building starts with the young, and we hope to make a difference with our student participants of the program to help them learn and become their best selves, and in turn share that spark with their families and communities,” FWD Philippines President & CEO, Antonio “Jumbing” De Rosas shared how early education is crucial for building a financially savvy future in the Philippines.

The JA SparktheDream program consists of three areas: financial awareness, financial capability, and economic and social inclusion. Students will develop their financial literacy skills through financial management lessons led by FWD volunteers, interactive online learning platform, family activities, and community engagement.

Panel Discussion: Junior Achievement of the Philippines, FWD Life Insurance, Tipid Mommy.

“There are skills, habits and mindsets that take root most effectively if the seeds are planted early on. There is a sense of empowerment that comes with knowing you can make choices in life that can positively impact yourselves, your families and the broader community,” JA Asia Pacific President and CEO, Maziar Sabet shares on the program’s focus on young learners.

As part of JA SparktheDream, students will also participate in a regional social innovation showcase, where they work with FWD volunteers, parents, teachers and each other to identify and address a local issue. The outstanding teams will represent Philippines and participate in the JA SparktheDream Social Challenge with students from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

With the commitment to reach out to young people, FWD also partnered with UMG Philippines and tapped The Voice Kids Season 2 Grand Champion Elha Nympha to launch a new single “Spark the Dream,” which debuted during the event. The young singer is known for her life story and has made it her mission to inspire others to nurture their own dreams.

Elha Nympha launches her latest single, "Spark the Dream," which serves as the program anthem.

“As the insurer of the next generation, FWD is always exploring creative and innovative ways to promote financial literacy and inclusion with young people and enable them to secure their best future,” said FWD Philippines Chief Marketing and Digital Business Officer, Roche Vandenberghe.

JA SparktheDream is just one of the many programs that FWD Life Insurance has in store for 2023. To learn more about the initiative, visit ph.jasparkthedream.org.