” Young Banker” the social responsibility program, launched by UkrSibbank, a BNP Paribas subsidiary, is now one of the most popular initiatives in Ukraine.

Initially designed as a promotional event for children of Private Banking clients, today “Young Banker” is a national program, taking place in many cities. So far, 1 000 children have participated in it at the UkrSibbank and in 2009 another 500 are expected to participate.

“Young Banker” is a program dedicated to 6-10 year old children, who are being entertained and educated in the domains of expertise of the bank. Professional coaches lead the program, and every year, there are different games and activities, designed to help children understand the history of money, the principle of banking and some of the financial products. At the end, children receive diplomas and gifts.

Although it was never advertised in the mass media, the “Young Banker” program is increasingly popular, as it is widely talked about in educational circles and within the family of children who participated. The general purpose of the project is to educate and explain banking services to people in Ukraine, but also to help young people in their future professional orientation. 

 Olga Semenenko, BNP Paribas brand manager for Ukraine, comments on the social significance of the program:

“Ukraine is a market with the very low awareness of bank service. It is also characterised with  a low trust in the bank, especially nowdays. In addition, the banking sector is under development and it needs good professionals.  At school children learn about what artists, bakers, doctors do, but who  bankers are, they don’t really know.”

“Young Banker” provides this additional ‘education’ for them.  Children, who participated in the program, have not only been learning, but they have also started to teach their parents about banking service, about using credit card, etc.”

“Young Banker” program is really getting more and more popular. As for the future, students at the higher grades are very getting more and more interested in these lessons. So, probably the next step would be to expand the program for them with one more goal – young talent recruitment.”