MUMBAI (India CSR): Hinduja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the 110-year-old Hinduja Group, has launched a pioneering financial literacy program – ‘Moneywise Explorers’ at a government school in Mumbai. This first-of-its-kind program aims to equip underprivileged children with essential money management skills and practical banking exposure.
Interactive Learning Sessions
The pilot, conducted in partnership with Learning Links Foundation, reached about 140 underprivileged students from Grades 6 to 8. Over two weeks, children learned budgeting, smart spending, and online safety through storytelling, role-plays, art and craft, and interactive discussions.
A key highlight was every student being given an opportunity to open a zero-balance savings account in a bank, giving them first-hand experience in banking and fostering early financial confidence.
Addressing Literacy Gap
“Less than 27% of Indian adults meet the minimum level of financial literacy set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), a figure markedly lower than the global average of 42%. Studies consistently indicate that the financial habits adults’ exhibit are profoundly influenced by the education and experiences they encounter in their formative years,’’ Ninya Hinduja, Member – Promoter Family, Hinduja Foundation, said. “The Moneywise Explorers program seeks to address this gap by equipping children from underserved communities with the skills necessary to build future economic independence. More than an educational initiative, it embodies a broader vision of empowerment through practical knowledge. Over the coming months, we plan to collaborate with multiple government schools and education authorities to embed financial literacy as a permanent component of school curricula nationwide.”
Empowering Underserved Communities
Agnes Nathan, Principal Partner, Learning Links Foundation, said, “Our partnership with Hinduja Foundation reaffirms that when children are given the right tools, they not only excel academically but also develop essential life skills. The success of Moneywise Explorers underscores the vital importance of financial literacy in empowering underserved communities.”
Financial Education Alignment
‘Moneywise Explorers’ is a part of the Hinduja Foundation’s Road-To-School initiative, which aligns with the National Strategy for Financial Education (2020–2025) and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The curriculum, developed by Learning Links Foundation in collaboration with Ninya Hinduja, draws on NCERT and NCFE resources to make complex financial concepts simple and engaging.
The Foundation aims to scale this into a recurring program across more schools, building a financially literate generation through partnerships with leading institutions.
(India CSR)
