Skopje, 3 December 2025  

The National Bank held its traditional award ceremony of the Arts and Literature Competition for primary and secondary school students, organized by the National Bank in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance on the occasion of World Savings Day.  The event was addressed by the Governor of the National Bank, Trajko Slaveski and the Deputy Minister of Finance Nikolche Jankulovski.

In his address, the Governor Slaveski highlighted the dedication, knowledge, and creativity of the young generations, emphasizing that the submitted papers confirm the significant role of the financial education in developing conscious, responsible, and financially literate young people. “Saving is not just about collecting funds. It is a philosophy of life that allows us to fulfill our desires, to provide a secure future, as well as to create stability and well-being of the entire society.  Nowadays, this approach is becoming even more important, since we live in times of rapid changes, digitalization and new financial challenges and opportunities”, pointed out the Governor.

Welcoming the participants, the Deputy Minister Jankulovski said that young people demonstrate that the slightest saving can be the beginning of a big goal. “You are an example that knowledge, hard work and the desire to think about the future are the values that move society forward.  Let this day be an incentive for us all to continue together-students, teachers, parents and institutions-to nurture financial literacy, develop healthy habits and create generations capable of making wise decisions”, said Jankulovski.  

This year’s competition included several hundred papers from primary and secondary school students on topics dedicated to the importance of savings, financial literacy and the role of financial services in the modern digital era.  The primary school students worked on the topic “Save for Desires, Save for Future”, while high school students on the topic “Savings, Money and Financial Services in the Modern Digital Era”.

The competition, which has been held since 2012, has grown into an important platform for encouraging young people to reflect on financial concepts, saving and responsible money management.  Through their literary works, drawings and essays, students present their views, knowledge and personal goals.

The National Bank will continue to actively invest in strengthening financial literacy, through lectures, workshops, competitions and contests, especially among the younger generations.  Every year, thousands of students have the opportunity to attend educational activities at the National Bank, and this will remain so.

The National Bank and the Ministry of Finance extend their gratitude to all participating students, their mentors for their support, and to the parents for their significant role in the educational process.