Monmouthshire Building Society, through its partnership with 2B Enterprising, has been helping young people learn financial and enterprise skills through the Bumbles of Honeywood curriculum and school's programme.
Together, the organisations have reached more than a thousand pupils across a range of primary schools in south Wales, inspiring creativity, confidence and an entrepreneurial mindset from an early age.
Through its partnership with 2B Enterprising, an enterprise education provider, the Bumbles of Honeywood programme is fully funded, enabling volunteers from Monmouthshire Building Society to help teachers deliver engaging and interactive activities that support a range of curriculum areas, as well as introducing pupils to key enterprise skills. The initiative began in 2024, and the first sessions were delivered to pupils aged five to eight years old.
Seventeen Monmouthshire Building Society colleagues continue to volunteer with pupils at St Peter's RC Primary School, St Joseph's RC Primary School both in Cardiff, St Woolos Primary School and Somerton Primary School in Newport, and Gorseinon Primary School in Swansea. The joint initiative has so far helped 1,024 pupils develop creativity, resilience and problem-solving skills.
The partnership has received a very positive response across all participating schools, with teachers consistently reporting high levels of pupil engagement, strong development of enterprise-related skills, and effective use of the programme's resources.
Kristy Maloney, Head of Savings at Monmouthshire Building Society and one of the volunteers, said:
“It's incredibly rewarding to see how this partnership has made a real difference to these children's education. By working together, we are helping young people develop confidence, creativity and essential life skills that will benefit them both inside and outside the classroom.
“I think we all know how difficult it can be to keep lessons engaging. This partnership enables us to empower teachers with the resources and support they need to create fun, interactive and real-life learning experiences that capture pupils' imagination and leave a lasting impression.”
Kristy added:
“The success of the programme demonstrates what can be achieved when we collaborate with community organisations. Teachers have reported back seeing first-hand how pupils grow in confidence, share their ideas and develop important skills, making this partnership incredibly worthwhile.”
