SBM Offshore Guyana Empowers Young Women Through Financial Literacy Workshop

• Workshop equips participants with financial, digital and life skills
• VMFA and NCC participants to continue learning journey in second workshop this September

  SBM Offshore Guyana, in collaboration with the Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA), on July 4 hosted the first instalment of ‘From the Field to the Future: Building Financial Confidence, Life Skills & Entrepreneurial Thinking’, a financial literacy initiative that forms part of the company’s broader commitment to building the knowledge, confidence and life skills of Guyana’s next generation. Designed specifically for young women, the two-day workshop equips participants with practical financial, digital and personal development skills that support informed decision-making and long-term independence.

Facilitated by Fiscal Frontier, the inaugural workshop brought together over 50 participants from the Vurlon Mills Football Academy and Non-Governmental Organization, the National Coordinating Coalition’s Enhancing Livelihoods Youth Literacy Program, creating an opportunity for young women from different backgrounds to learn collaboratively, exchange perspectives and build practical skills that will support both their personal and professional futures.

Through interactive sessions on financial literacy, digital safety, entrepreneurship and life skills, participants explored practical strategies for managing money responsibly, protecting themselves online, building confidence and developing the mindset needed to pursue future educational, career and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The workshop’s practical approach resonated with both participants and parents, with students identifying the sessions as engaging and relevant to their everyday lives and future goals. Parents also welcomed the focus on skills that extend beyond the classroom, recognizing the value of exposing young people to financial literacy, cyberbullying awareness and other areas that can strengthen confidence, resilience and responsible decision-making.

Delivering the welcome remarks, SBM Offshore Guyana Country General Manager, Martin Cheong encouraged the young women to embrace every opportunity to invest in themselves.

“While you may come from different backgrounds and have different interests, you are all here because you have potential, talent and a bright future ahead of you. Financial confidence isn’t about how much money you have. It’s about making smart choices with what you do have and working toward the future you want for yourself,” he stated.

Founder of the Vurlon Mills Football Academy, Vurlon Mills, thanked SBM Offshore Guyana for supporting the initiative and highlighted the importance of equipping young women with life skills beyond sport.

“We are grateful to SBM Offshore Guyana for creating opportunities like this that empower our young women beyond the football field. At VMFA, football teaches discipline, teamwork, leadership and confidence, but when those qualities are combined with financial literacy and life skills, our players are even better equipped for the future. This workshop reflects our shared commitment to preparing young people to become productive, responsible and empowered citizens who can make meaningful contributions to their communities and to Guyana,” he noted.

The workshop reflects SBM Offshore Guyana’s continued commitment to youth development through partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. By combining financial literacy, entrepreneurship and personal development, the initiative aims to empower young women with the confidence and practical skills needed to make informed decisions throughout their lives, investing in the knowledge, confidence and leadership potential of young people.

The second installment of the program, scheduled for September, will build on the lessons introduced during the first workshop, allowing participants to further strengthen their financial knowledge, leadership skills and entrepreneurial thinking.