ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognised professional accountancy body, in collaboration with Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini, conducted FinLit Festivals and interactive events to promote students’ financial literacy. These events marked the launch of ACCA’s Financial Literacy programme at two schools in Chithode, Tamil Nadu, and Macherla, Andhra Pradesh. The programme aims to empower students in grades 6-9 with essential financial skills at no cost.
Financial literacy is pivotal in shaping young minds, providing practical knowledge on smart money management, understanding banking services, evaluating investment options and preparing them for future financial needs. By introducing these concepts early on, ACCA aims to empower students with practical finance knowledge and create a generation that is not only financially savvy but also capable of making prudent financial decisions.
The launch of the Financial Literacy Programme also included parents of the students and the broader community from Chithode and Macherla. ACCA members engaged with the community on banking and finance, providing them with insights and practical knowledge. The programme also included skit performances by students, focussing on key financial concepts such as banking benefits, the perils of using money lenders, and the risks associated with chit funds. The overall programme was designed with the intention of not just educating but also entertaining the students while leaving the audience with a memorable learning experience.
Speaking on the programme’s launch, Md. Sajid Khan, Director- India, ACCA, said:
We are excited to launch the ACCA Financial Literacy Programme in partnership with Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini. Financial literacy is not just a skill—it’s a lifeline that empowers individuals to make informed decisions, plan for the future, and achieve their dreams. By educating young minds early on, we are laying the foundation for the country’s financially secure and prosperous future. Our collaboration aims to inspire and equip these students with the knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of the financial world confidently. Together, we are not just teaching finance but fostering a generation of financially savvy, responsible citizens.
ACCA believes financial literacy is a fundamental skill that should be accessible to everyone and is committed to providing opportunities to students and the broader community through such impactful programmes.
Prasanthi Nilayam-based Director of the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini, Karuna Munshi, celebrates the intersectionality of the FinLit festival as a historic and collaborative milestone. She stated:
It’s refreshing how a professional body, a philanthropic digital education project and a private school with many first-generation learners can unite for the larger community’s good. It is a rare but powerful vision alignment aimed at giving back to our communities.
Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini, with the motto’ Integral Education For All, By All’, is a one-of-a-kind educational technology platform that offers value-based teaching resources to teachers and students. It was launched by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in 2010 as a volunteer-driven digital initiative of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. It delivers digital Integral Education to remote schools. It uses its unique IIEPx4C Framework to develop and offer digital material, teaching/learning aids, and training. These deliverables aim to empower teachers and are supplied at no cost to students to educate them with 21st-century skills such as critical thinking. This project is a global collaboration between educators, trainers and technologists inspired by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings.