Canadian enterprise Ekomini believes that teaching kids about money is
as important as teaching them reading, writing and arithmetic. As an
aid to parents, the company has given the traditional piggy bank a
21st century makeover. The Ekomini Treasure Chest features a patented
coin-reader technology and hooks up to a computer via USB, enabling
children to keep track of their savings and learn basic financial
skills. The Ekomini package gleans pedagogical credentials from
resident educational consultant Dr. Daniel Racine, who designed a
platform to teach kids how to plan for purchases by setting goals,
completing tasks and comparing prices; as they get older, they can
also learn the basics of investment. Ekomini also aims to introduce
kids to social responsibility by explaining important causes and
showcasing charities.
Appealing both to creative consumers and potential licensing partners,
Ekomini will also manufacture a separate coin-reader unit (minus the
piggy bank), so that the system can be created using any type of coin
receptacle. Speaking of partners, Ekomini is casting a wide net,
targeting teachers, banks, retailers, charities and other
manufacturers interested in licensing their design.
While products that target children are the scourge of cash-strapped
parents, one that teaches future generations the value of saving could
be worth its weight in gold. The product can be pre-ordered online and
will be available in major retail stores in time for Christmas. One to
check out if you're involved with financial services or children's
products! (Related: Financial literacy for kids — Bank run by street
kids — Facilitating kidpreneurs.)
Website: www.ekomini.com
Contact: info@ekomini.com
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- Tan Yinglan
The Way of the VC: Having Top Venture Capitalists on Your Board (On Amazon)
http://tinyurl.com/wayofthevc
