Hinduja Foundation Launches Financial Literacy Program for Underprivileged Children in Mumbai

Mumbai, September 02, 2025: Hinduja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the 110-year-old Hinduja Group, has launched a financial literacy program – Moneywise Explorers – at a government school in Mumbai. The initiative aims to equip underprivileged children with money management skills and practical banking exposure.

The pilot, conducted in partnership with Learning Links Foundation, reached about 140 students from Grades 6 to 8 belonging to migrant families in Worli’s slums. Over two weeks, the children learned budgeting, smart spending, and online safety through storytelling, role-plays, art and craft, and interactive discussions.

A key highlight of the program was the opportunity for every student to open a zero-balance savings account with a bank, giving them first-hand exposure to financial systems and fostering early confidence in handling money.

“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,’’ said Ninya Hinduja, Member - Promoter Family, Hinduja Foundation. “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.”

Agnes Nathan, Principal Partner, Learning Links Foundation, added, “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.”

The program is part of Hinduja Foundation’s Road-To-School initiative and aligns with the National Strategy for Financial Education (2020–2025) and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The curriculum, designed with support from NCERT and NCFE resources, was developed by Learning Links Foundation in collaboration with Ninya Hinduja to simplify complex financial concepts.

The Foundation intends to expand Moneywise Explorers across more schools in the coming years, aiming to build a financially literate generation through sustained partnerships with educational institutions and government bodies.