Rapunzel, the Three Little Pigs, Thumbelina and an unscrupulous loan shark have been delivering important lessons about money to 60 children at Lime Tree Primary Academy in Sale as part of Manchester Credit Union’s ‘Bee Smart with Money’ school roadshow.
Working with creative education partner Altru, Manchester Credit Union is using interactive drama experiences to boost children’s financial literacy and confidence in managing money. Through a production called Fairytale Money Troubles, year five children explored the importance of talking about money, choosing responsible lenders, and saving for a rainy day, before performing their show to proud parents.
Manchester Credit Union – a financial co-operative that has supported Greater Manchester’s savers and borrowers for more than 30 years – launched the Bee Smart with Money roadshow in 2024 to give back to the communities it serves. So far, the initiative has reached hundreds of children across Greater Manchester as part of its mission to create a region of savvy savers.
Mandy Wilcock, CEO of Manchester Credit Union, said: “ We’re deeply investedin helping the communities we serve – not just through our financial services, but by supporting the next generation. Programmes like this make financial education accessible to all.”
Mrs Donlon, teacher at Lime Tree Primary Academy School, said: “Our students really threw themselves into the roadshow and had a fabulous time. They loved the characters and the costumes and put on a great show for parents. Financial literacy is such an important life skill, and it was brilliant to see them learning how to make smart money choices in such a fun way.”
Schools interested in taking part should email info@manchestercreditunion.co.uk to find out more.
Manchester Credit Union is a not-for-profit organisation that exists solely for the benefit of its members in Manchester, Bury, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, and High Peak. Any profit generated is returned as a dividend on savings or used to improve member services.
