“A nation is worth as much as it saves”, said Quintino Sella, one of the first Ministers of Finance of unified Italy. A principle that has guided the work of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti since its very beginnings and today takes shape in a concrete effort to spread economic and financial awareness, starting with the younger generations.
During the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of Passbook Savings Accounts and the 100th anniversary of Postal Savings Bonds, it was recalled that as early as 1876 the Royal Post had launched a pioneering initiative: a collective school savings book on which students could make deposits. The project also involved families, helping to spread the culture of saving among adults who often lacked formal education.
Today that commitment continues in new forms and through new tools. Together with Poste Italiane, CDP is promoting the programme “Il Risparmio che fa Scuola”, aimed at students, teachers and families. This initiative, which in the past year has involved 228,000 girls and boys, offers educational content for all age groups, a dedicated online portal (ilrisparmiochefascuola.com) and interactive materials such as games, quizzes, podcasts and magazines.
Alongside this initiative, collaboration continues with the Fondazione per l’Educazione Finanziaria e al Risparmio (FEduF). With the project “Pronti, finanza, via!” events and lessons are organised on the topic of responsible money management. Since its launch in November 2023, around 8,500 students from primary and secondary schools across Italy have taken part, with particular focus on urban suburbs.
At the headquarters in Via Goito, CDP also hosts work-study programmes for students from upper secondary schools in Lazio, aimed at offering career guidance and fostering entrepreneurship.
Lastly, together with FEduF and Third Sector partners, CDP continues to support a project dedicated to women in vulnerable conditions, providing basic tools on saving, money management and access to banking services. So far, 150 participants have taken part in 10 sessions held in Bari, Naples, Rome, Turin and Milan.
Also in November, Financial Education Month, CDP will once again play a leading role with a series of initiatives across Italy: in-person and online lessons in schools, work-study training meetings and university seminars on postal savings products.