Credit goes to county schools

Nov 12 2009 by Debbie Hall, West Lothian Courier

ENTERPRISING sixth year students at two West Lothian high schools have opened their own credit unions.

Students at Whitburn Academy launched their credit union savings scheme (WACU) on October 14 to benefit everyone in the school.

Over 150 students and teachers signed up to save with the credit union and a weekly collection point will run in the school’s foyer on Thursday mornings from November 12, with the support of Blackburn and Seafield District Credit Union.

Head teacher Ian Adair said that he was delighted to have a credit union presence at the school, which was highlighted in a recent report on the county secondary by the school inspectors..

Meanwhile, students at Inveralmond Community High School launched their weekly credit union collection last week with the support of Livingston Credit Union and already the facility is proving to be a success for the staff and pupils,.

They hope to serve both the school and the community with regular savings opportunities throughout the sessions.

Students from both schools sought advice from West Lothian Credit Union Forum before going ahead with the credit unions.

The schools were provided with the necessary support and information on the background of credit unions, advertising, launching and running a credit union collection, over a number of weekly meetings.

Any school interested in setting up a credit union collection should contact West Lothian Credit Union Forum on 01506 633222 (info@wlcuf.org.uk) for further information and support.