Participants in this competition, divided into two categories (12 to 17 years old and 18 to 24 years old), must submit their comic strip no later than February 1, 2025, the AMMC informs in a document on the terms of participation.
According to the same source, three themes can be addressed in a combined or distinct manner in the comic strip. These are the budget (building a story highlighting good budgeting practices, with the portrayal of realistic characters and situations), saving (developing a story that highlights the importance of savings and highlight how it can play a central role in the evolution of the characters’ journey) and investment in the capital market (develop a story highlighting investment in the capital market by through financial instruments).
To this end, investor guides are available to help participants better understand certain concepts relating to savings, the capital market, etc., in addition to a set of resources in the “Financial Education” section. ” from the AMMC website.
For the comic strip to be accepted for evaluation, it must contain between 6 and 16 panels, spread over a maximum of two boards in paper or digital version, be produced individually, created in color or black and white and written in French, Arabic or English, specifies the AMMC.
The comic must also comply with an A4 or A3 format and be submitted in digital file (digitized paper comic or file produced using a computer program) or in paper format, continues the Authority, adding that the participant must write at the bottom of each board, very legibly: their name, first name and age.
In addition, each participant must present a comic strip based on a scenario that must include a title (the title must be visible on the front of the page), a beginning and an end, and can only submit one comic strip. original, while ensuring the visual quality of the document in order to facilitate the jury’s evaluation.
Stressing that participation in the competition is reserved exclusively for Moroccan residents, the AMMC also points out that any incomplete or late project cannot be considered by the members of the jury and that the participation email or letter must contain the electronic address as well as the telephone number to reach the participant or their guardian.
As for the evaluation criteria, the comic strip will be judged according to the original conception of the main character, the integration of one of the themes, originality and creativity, the quality and coherence of the adventure and the drawing, as well as as the presentation of the capital market from a dynamic and positive angle.
The project evaluation period is set from February 1 to 28, 2025. To assign a score to each project, the jury, made up of members of the AMMC project team, will examine each proposal using a grid. assessment developed according to the criteria defined by the Authority.
Two winners will be chosen from each target, regardless of language.
Interview with Dr. Laila Marzouk, Financial Literacy Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Marzouk! It’s great to have you here today to discuss the upcoming comic strip competition aimed at young people. It’s such an innovative way to engage youth in financial literacy. What are your initial thoughts on this initiative?
Dr. Laila Marzouk (LM): Thank you for having me! I think this competition is a brilliant approach to educating young people about finance. By incorporating creative outlets like comic strips, we can make complex financial concepts more digestible and relatable. It taps into storytelling, which is a powerful tool for learning.
TNE: Absolutely! The competition allows participants to choose from three themes: budgeting, saving, and investment in the capital market. Which of these do you believe is most crucial for young people today?
LM: Each theme addresses fundamental aspects of financial literacy, but saving stands out as particularly vital. Developing habits around saving early can influence long-term financial well-being. It’s essential for young people to understand that saving isn’t just about withholding money today; it’s about investing in their future.
TNE: That’s a great point! The AMMC provides resources like investor guides to help participants. How important do you think these resources are in helping them craft their stories?
LM: The resources are crucial. They provide a foundation of knowledge that participants can build upon. With clear examples and guidance, teens can create comic strips that not only entertain but also educate their peers. This can spark discussions about financial topics that many might otherwise shy away from.
TNE: Given that participants must submit their comic strips by February 1, 2025, what advice would you give to them as they begin this creative process?
LM: I would encourage them to think about their own experiences with money—whether good or bad. Personal stories can resonate deeply. Additionally, they should aim to create characters that reflect real-life situations so that their audience can see themselves in the narrative. Keeping the themes in mind, a relatable, well-structured story can make a significant impact.
TNE: That’s fantastic advice! With the guidelines allowing for both digital and paper submissions, how do you see the medium influencing their storytelling?
LM: The medium is vital! Digital comics can incorporate dynamic elements that paper can’t, such as animation or interactive components, which could engage viewers differently. On the other hand, traditional paper comics can evoke a sense of nostalgia and may feel more personal. Regardless, it’s about how effectively they can communicate their message through their chosen medium.
TNE: Speaking of mediums, the comic strips can be created in color or black and white. Do you think the artistic choices will affect the message?
LM: Definitely! Color can evoke emotions and draw attention to specific aspects of the story, while black and white can provide a classic feel that encourages readers to focus on the narrative rather than the visuals. It’s an artistic decision that should align with the message they want to convey.
TNE: That’s very insightful! Lastly, how do you think initiatives like this influence the overall landscape of financial literacy among youths?
LM: Initiatives like this play a pivotal role in the ongoing campaign for financial literacy. By encouraging creativity and critical thinking, we empower young people to take charge of their financial futures. When they engage with these concepts in a fun and creative way, it sets the stage for lifelong positive financial behaviors.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Marzouk, for sharing your thoughts with us today. We hope many young people participate in this exciting competition and discover the importance of financial literacy through their creativity!
LM: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see what the participants create.