17 EDUCATION MATTERS EDUCATION MATTERS BUILDING FINANCIALLY CONFIDENT AND ENTREPRENEURIAL YOUTH As part of its regional LifeChanger initiative, funded by MetLife Foundation, MetLife offices partner with JA in 15 countries across Europe and in 5 countries in the Middle East and Africa. Last year alone, almost 600 MetLife volunteers delivered the JA curricula to more than 32,000 students across EMEA. The partnership provides young people with the hands-on financial education they need to ensure that they are knowledgeable about key financial topics, such as budgeting, saving, investing and using credit. MetLife Foundation is committed to financial education of children and youth. Encouraging and supporting entrepreneurship from an early age helps young people develop vital skills that will assist them in launching businesses or building careers. Michel KHALAF President of US Business and EMEA & member of MetLife Foundations Board, MetLife CELEBRATING THE 10 th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FEDEX ACCESS AWARD Back in 2007, FedEx began sponsoring the annual JA Company of the Year Competition in each regions of JA Worldwide. The prestigious FedEx Access Award celebrates JA companies that have the best understanding of global development, international trade, job and business growth, and positive environmental impact. At each regional competition, students attend the FedEx Access Seminar, during which they discover the power of global connectivity and further develop their business ideas to be innovative, sustainable, socially responsible, and ready to tap new markets. In addition, JA students are mentored through FedEx Cares volunteers. At the beginning of this academic year, FedEx Express extended its support for the Company Programme to include sponsorship of national Company of the Year Competitions via JA companies in 7 countries. FedEx taught us the importance of connecting markets sustainably in order to provide access for businesses and customers. Creating wealth for everyone while being committed to sustainability and social responsibility is an important key factor in understanding global trade. Bendix SIBBEL Student, winner of the FedEx Access Award