NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2024 8 CREDIT UNION WEEK IN REVIEW FEATURE THE WORLD Council of Credit Unions has selected the theme, ‘One World Through Co-operative Finance’ for International Credit Union Day on Thursday, October 17. This theme resonates deeply, not just for countries and communities globally, but for members of the Insurance Employees Co-operative Credit Union (IECCU). It highlights the importance of collective financial action in addressing both societal and personal economic challenges. For the IECCU, this theme reflects its longstanding commitment to building financial security and independence for its members through cooperative principles. Since its founding in 1977, IECCU has consistently promoted the idea that financial institutions can be successful by prioritising the collective well-being of their members. The concept of ‘One World Through Co-operative Finance’ also represents the potential for creating a fairer global economy. In a world where access to financial resources is often unequal, cooperative finance offers an alternative. It levels the playing field by creating opportunities for those who might otherwise be excluded from traditional financial systems. This means that someone in a rural community or an underbanked urban area can still access affordable loans, savings plans, and credit services through cooperatives. IECCU offers a wide range of services, including savings accounts, loans, and credit counselling, with a particular focus on wealth creation. One notable initiative is the Golden Harvest Savings Plan, tailored to help members achieve long-term financial goals, such as homeownership or funding education. This plan also includes insurance coverage, ensuring that savings are protected in the event of death or disability. Such programmes are critical in reducing the wealth gap by empowering individuals to save, invest, and build wealth, regardless of their starting point. As financial uncertainty looms in various parts of the world, the cooperative model stands as a beacon for self-improvement and empowerment. The credit unions of Jamaica continue to prove that by allowing communities to not only survive but also thrive in an increasingly connected global economy. In this sense, the theme of ‘One World Through Co-operative Finance’ is not just a vision for the future but a reality that credit unions like IECCU are actively building today. ‘One World Through Co-operative Finance’ – IECCU’s vision in building economic equity Kamisha Wint, Marketing Officer, Insurance Employees Co-operative Credit Union EDUCOM COOPERATIVE Credit Union participated in the celebration of Credit Union Week, which was observed during October 13-19, 2024. Members of the team participated in a beautification exercise at the Kingston Technical High School on Saturday, October 12, as part of the national outreach initiative organised by the Credit Unions of Jamaica. On Wednesday, October 16, the team hosted a virtual Member Engagement Forum in keeping with our mandate to better equip our members with adequate financial knowledge of our products and services. On International Credit Union Day, EduCom members at all nine branches were treated to exciting activities and prizes; while at the Oxford Terrace, Spanish Town, Linstead and UWI (Mona) branches, our members benefitted from health screenings provided by medical personnel on location. EduCom celebrates its members Stacey-Ann Porter-Davis (l), Business Development Leader for the UWI (Mona) branch, presents a token to a member during a visit to the branch on Members’ Appreciation Day. Gabrielle Owens, Business Development Leader, Oxford Terrace Branch, engages with a member during an activity on the day. Ms Donna Grant (left), a Registered Nurse, conducts health screening tests on a member at the Linstead branch on International Credit Union Day, October 17, 2024. It was all smiles as a member from our Spanish Town branch performed for the members present during a karaoke session on Credit Union Day.
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