Empowering Adolescents through Financial Literacy

On 22nd October 2025, a Life Skill Training Session on Financial Planning and Small Money Management was conducted at the Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre (KMWSC) for adolescents from the Hastings and Motijheel centres under the IDENTITY Project. The session was facilitated by a professional resource person and attended by 40 enthusiastic adolescent boys and girls.

The training aimed to build a foundational understanding of money management, saving habits, and responsible spending among young participants — essential life skills for shaping a secure and independent future. Through interactive discussions, practical examples, and relatable storytelling, the facilitator helped adolescents explore the concepts of budgeting, prioritising needs over wants, and setting short- and long-term financial goals.

The adolescents also participated in engaging group exercises where they analysed real-life scenarios and learned how to make smart financial decisions within limited resources. The session emphasised that even small savings can lead to stability, confidence, and self-reliance — values that will guide them in adulthood.

By the end of the workshop, participants shared their reflections on how they could apply these lessons in daily life. Many expressed newfound motivation to support their families in managing household expenses and start saving from their allowances.

“Financial wisdom begins early — empowering today’s adolescents to build tomorrow’s secure and independent lives.”

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