KILWINNING, Scotland–A new credit union at Kilwinning Academy here is being called Scotland’s first.
The credit union, launched as part of the Innovative Schools Project, was conceived as a response to the closure of the town’s high street banks and will allow 1st Alliance Ayrshire Credit Union to have a facility within the school for pupils, their families and local residents to use, according to the Daily Record.
“High street banks” is a U.K. reference to high-rate money lenders, such as payday loan outfits in the U.S.
According to the report, if the project proves successful it could be rolled out to other schools, especially in areas where banks have
closed down.
The pupils will work alongside 1st Alliance to develop their employability skills, financial knowledge and develop community links, the Daily Record reported, adding the group will also be working towards qualifications in customer service, literacy and numeracy, volunteering and development.
‘Extremely Innovative’
Walter Smith, Prince’s Trust Ayrshire chair, was quoted as saying, “We are proud to be associated with this extremely innovative project which will develop both important financial skills and the soft skills that potential employers are looking for in young people including communication, commitment, customer service and courtesy.”
The Innovative Schools project is a partnership between Developing Young Workforce (DYW) Ayrshire and The Prince’s Trust Scotland, and encourages school pupils to get involved in innovative activities which will help them develop employability skills.