Coleg Menai tutors first Accounting Club Educators in Wales

Guto Jones and Carwyn Jones, who teach at the Tŷ Menai campus in Bangor, recently qualified to deliver Accounting Clubs in schools.

This is an interactive and accessible scheme aimed at improving young people’s financial literacy.

The Accounting Clubs in Schools initiative is a 10-week programme providing financial education as an enrichment activity for 16 to 18-year-olds.

It is hosted by Accounting Cafe, supported by volunteers, and uses the Colour Accounting Learning System under licence.

Guto and Carwyn are now qualified to run Accounting Clubs for students across various courses and incorporate some of its methods into their own teaching.

Guto said: "It’s not like traditional accounting teaching.

"You don’t have to be brilliant at maths.

"It’s fun, it’s very kinesthetic-type learning, it’s straightforward and there’s an element of creativity.

"We want to establish the Accounting Club here and grow it.

"It’s going to help learners studying elements of accounts on their course, and improve the financial literacy of people taking part in it."

The Accounting Clubs in Schools initiative was established in 2021 and is currently running in around 20 schools and colleges in the UK.

It aims to provide a solid foundation in financial literacy, addressing essential topics like accounting, budgeting, saving, investing, and enhancing job market competitiveness.

The program utilises the Colour Accounting System, owned by Wealthvox, along with engaging tools like the board game-style BaSIS board.

They use tools such as tools such as the board game-style BaSIS board (Image: Wealthvox)

Toby York, founder of Accounting Cafe, said: "We're thrilled to see Guto and Carwyn become our first Accounting Club Educators in Wales.

"Their commitment to financial literacy aligns perfectly with our mission to empower students with practical financial acumen.

"This marks an exciting step in our goal to make comprehensive financial education accessible to all students across the UK."

He said that schools and colleges implementing the program have seen improved student engagement and impressive attendance rates during sessions, with some students motivated to study accounting at the university level.

Catherine Skipp, Coleg Menai’s programme area manager for service industries and business, said: "I am delighted that Guto and Carwyn have become the first Accounting Club Educators in Wales after receiving financial support from Coleg Menai to achieve their accreditation.

"I am thrilled that we can now offer added enrichment opportunities for our learners, which will help them to develop a healthy relationship with money and potentially aid them in their future careers.

"I'd also like to thank Guto and Carwyn for going the extra mile to be able to offer this opportunity to our learners."

For more information on how to become an Accounting Club Educator, visit the Accounting Cafe website accountingcafe.org.