El Salvador has embarked on an ambitious journey towards financial education and inclusion with the launch of the “My Financial Journey” bus, an innovative mobile classroom set to visit schools across the nation. The initiative, spearheaded by the Central Reserve Bank (BCR), aims to provide students with essential knowledge on managing money, the importance of saving, banking operations, and investments, featuring interactive technology and even an onboard ATM.
Douglas Rodríguez, President of the BCR, highlighted the significance of this project: “This is the largest Financial Education and Inclusion Plan ever launched in El Salvador, aligned with President Nayib Bukele’s directive for all institutions to focus on delivering quality services to the population.”
The “My Financial Journey” bus is designed to make learning about finance fun and engaging. Students will explore various financial concepts through state-of-the-art technology, including e-wallets, online shopping, and investment strategies. The bus, equipped with solar panels and expandable from 12 to 14 meters in length and 4.5 meters in width, is a unique educational tool in Central America.
Rodríguez explained that the bus will initially tour schools in the western region of the country over the next two months, with stops in El Refugio, Atiquizaya, Ahuachapán, Guaymango, Acajutla, Sonsonate, and other locations. Afterward, it will continue its journey across all 14 departments, reaching both urban and rural areas.
“Based on our survey results, we identified a strong need to bring financial education to rural zones in all departments,” Rodríguez noted.
One of the first students to experience the bus was Cristina Cruz, a ninth-grader who attended the launch event. She expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “They teach you how to transfer money, save, and invest for the future. It’s a wonderful experience that I highly recommend to everyone. The virtual reality and the guides’ explanations were my favorite parts.”
The BCR will share the bus’s itinerary on its social media platforms, ensuring that communities across El Salvador stay informed about this exciting educational opportunity.