The closing event of the Šiauliai City Economics and Financial Literacy Academy took place, during which students’ achievements, active participation, and acquired knowledge were celebrated. All gymnasium students who completed the academy program were awarded completion certificates and commemorative gifts.
The aim of the Šiauliai City Economics and Financial Literacy Academy is to strengthen the economic, financial, and digital literacy of students in grades I–IV of Šiauliai city gymnasiums, develop entrepreneurship and social responsibility, and promote sustainable consumption.
As many as 25 gymnasium students from Šiauliai city schools successfully completed the program. Participants came from Šiauliai Didždvaris Gymnasium, Šiauliai Simonas Daukantas Engineering Gymnasium, Šiauliai Stasys Šalkauskis Gymnasium, Šiauliai University Gymnasium, Šiauliai “Julius Janonis” Gymnasium, Šiauliai “Lieporiai” Gymnasium, and Šiauliai “Romuva” Gymnasium.
The academy is implemented in cooperation with key partners: Šiauliai City Municipality, which initiated and funds the program; Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy as the academic partner; the Šiauliai Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts as the business partner; and Šiauliai “Romuva” Gymnasium, which administers the implementation of the activities. Cooperation between the education, science, business, and public sectors provided students with opportunities to gain relevant theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and a better understanding of economics, finance, and entrepreneurship.
The event participants were greeted and addressed by Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy Director Prof. Dr. Renata Bilbokaitė, Vice Director for Research Prof. Dr. Diana Cibulskienė, Šiauliai City Vice Mayor Justinas Švėgžda, and Director of Šiauliai “Romuva” Gymnasium Aina Būdvytytė. The speeches emphasized the importance of economic and financial literacy for young people, students’ initiative, and the significance of such educational activities for the city community.
The academy activities were led by lecturers from Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy: Prof. Dr. Diana Cibulskienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lina Garšvienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dovilė Ruplienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kristina Matuzevičiūtė-Balčiūnienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Laura Dargenytė-Kacilevičienė, as well as teachers from Šiauliai “Romuva” Gymnasium: Irma Jančiauskienė, Edita Kliemaitė, and Joana Mekšriūnienė.
Guest lecturers also contributed to the program: President of the Šiauliai Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts Vytis Lembutis, investor and practitioner Mindaugas Baltėnas, recruitment and selection expert Dalia Liolytė, financial resilience expert Haroldas Margis, and Šiauliai TECH Director Roman Šarpanov. Their experience and practical insights helped students better understand business, investment, labor market, financial security, and the application of technologies.
During the academy, students participated in various lectures and practical activities, deepening their knowledge of economic fundamentals, personal finance management, investment, the role of the state in the economy, resilience against financial fraud, the labor market, business idea development, risk assessment, company finances, the application of technology in business, international business opportunities and challenges, sustainable development goals, social responsibility, and sustainability.
Particular attention was given to practical student engagement. During intensive business and finance decision-making and idea generation sessions “Idea for the City,” students developed ideas that could contribute to the well-being and sustainable development of Šiauliai city. Participants also went on a study visit to Vilnius, where they visited “Lietuvos Junior Achievement” and SEB, gaining insight into entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and the application of practical economic knowledge.
The program was further enriched by consultation sessions for participants of the “Lietuvos Junior Achievement” program, student company founders, and participants of economics and entrepreneurship Olympiads. During these sessions, students deepened practical knowledge, discussed business ideas, financial decisions, preparation for Olympiads, and development of student company activities. The sessions were held at Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy.
It is expected that the acquired knowledge will help students make more responsible financial decisions, better understand business and economic processes, and more confidently develop ideas for their city and future.
