The main objective of the F4Y project was to promote financial literacy among young people by developing accessible, engaging, and inclusive educational tools. We aimed to empower students to understand core financial concepts, make responsible economic decisions, and build essential skills for managing personal and family budgets. To achieve this, we focused on four key goals: 1. Diagnose the real financial literacy levels of youth in different socio-economic and educational contexts (Portugal, Romania, and Cape Verde) 2. Design and implement a pedagogical methodology based on active learning and gamification, making financial education more attractive and effective 3. Train teachers with certified professional development courses to ensure the methodology could be applied in diverse classroom settings 4. Develop a digital platform offering free access to educational resources, interactive tools, and simulations for students and teachers, promoting long-term sustainability. In addition, the project aimed to foster cross-cultural understanding, reduce inequalities in access to financial education, and stimulate civic awareness through themes such as responsible consumption and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
We applied for the F4Y project in response to a critical need identified in our national and European contexts: the financial literacy lack among young people. Many students reach adulthood without the basic knowledge and skills required to make informed financial decisions, manage personal budgets, or understand concepts like saving, credit, and responsible consumption. This gap contributes to poor financial habits, over-indebtedness, and vulnerability to economic instability. The project aimed to address these needs by developing inclusive, research-based educational tools and strategies tailored to young people aged 11–25, especially those facing socio-economic disadvantages, learning difficulties, or limited access to financial education. Our goal was to empower youth to become more financially aware and responsible, thereby promoting their autonomy, well-being, and social inclusion. The project also responded to the urgent need for innovative and accessible pedagogical approaches in financial education, aligned with the younger generation’s digital habits. By using gamified learning, active methodologies, and digital platforms, we sought to engage students in a practical and meaningful way that promotes long-term behavioral.