What's Junior Achievement? 

It is a global organisation dedicated to teaching children about some basic financials and fundamentals of life, and the reason you want to stay in school. This gives regular business people, retiree's, and other volunteers the opportunity to go into a class of students and teach about work, your paystub, career opportunities, how to interview, apply for a job, budgeting, the cost of living, and why it makes sense to get an education (university, college, or vocational)... rather than dropping out half way through high-school.

It is a wonderful way to go beyond just contributing money to a cause.It gives volunteers an opportunity to speak to the children directly, and to change lives. The message does not necessarily make it through to all the children, but it does make it through to some of the kids, and it changes lives! Plus the volunteers and kids love this day of teaching something 'different'.

For my company, I organize Junior Achievement nationally (6 cities over 90 volunteers). Though tiring, it is rewarding voluntary work. 

So, I am so glad to say that this week, we just finished the last training session for Toronto (Montreal, Vancouver and Halifax are already done). Next week is delivery we

ek. Can't wait for the stories of all the excitement our employees went through, and the laughs while teaching. 

Personally, I find the budgeting part quite fun/funny. Many students list their needs as their first car must be a Ferrari, they must have $400 per week for new shoes, they will live Downtown in a luxury condo, and list various other such luxuries. While there are some people who could afford this lifestyle... if you drop out and land your only main income resource as a job at McDonald's ... then there is an amusing difference that has to be reconciled. This is usually the main eye opener for the kids - the "aha" moment.

Looking forward to delivering the program in the coming week or two.

Have you volunteered at Junior Achievement? What was your favourite part of the program? What was your experience like?