Through this project, we aimed to develop the competencies of 42 youth workers from Romania, Lithuania, and Bulgaria in designing, adapting, and applying non-formal education methods focused on financial management for young people aged 18–25. One of our key objectives was to implement a financially accurate and engaging non-formal education program that would reach and benefit at least 900 young people, helping them gain a better understanding of how to manage their personal finances. Additionally, we sought to create a strong and supportive network of competent youth workers who can continue to assist both young people and other professionals in the field of youth work, thus ensuring long-term impact and sustainability of the project's results.
We applied for this project because we noticed a significant need for financial education both in Romania and in our partner countries, Lithuania and Bulgaria. The main needs we aimed to address were related to the lack of financial literacy among young people. Many of them require guidance, support, and practical advice on managing money — including how to save, invest, make smart financial decisions, and still enjoy life. They also need help navigating early career steps, such as applying for jobs and planning their financial futures realistically and responsibly. We felt the strong need to address this gap, especially considering that in our countries, money is often a taboo topic. It's commonly perceived that money is hard to earn, and discussions about personal finances are avoided. Through this project, we wanted to empower young people by showing them that it is possible to save, invest, and enjoy life at the same time — all while making well-informed financial choices.