Abstract

Economic illiteracy of the young leaving secondary school is a particularly serious issue in the South of Italy since it compromises their capacity to take an active part in the present-day economic system. In this paper we suggest that business forces and southern universities promote short course (about 10 hours) in secondary schools, aimed at providing students with basic knowledge about economics and finance. The courses should be based on the facts experienced by the students, then explain how an economic system works, focusing on both income production and financial flows.