In today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape, financial and digital literacy have become crucial for personal and professional success. Despite the prevalence of the digital landscape, only 38% of the households are digitally literate[1], while only 27% of the population can be deemed as financially literate.[2]

This program addresses a critical need among gig workers, who often lack access to formal financial education and digital tools. By bridging this knowledge gap, the initiative aims to foster financial inclusion and enhance the economic resilience of this vital segment of the workforce.

The comprehensive program will cover a wide range of topics, including banking basics, savings strategies, e-wallet usage, investment fundamentals, insurance principles, and key government schemes. Through a combination of interactive workshops, online modules, and hands-on training, participants will gain practical skills to manage their finances effectively in the digital era.

Sapna Moudgil, CEO at NIIT Foundation, stated, “With the ever-evolving digital landscape, more and more people are going online – and 99.9% of internet users utilise a mobile device[3] to access the web for a plethora of services – be it for paying bills or ordering food and shopping. That said, digital and financially literacy – which, today, go hand in hand to a great extent – still remain amiss. With this in mind, our collaboration with Mahindra Finance allows us to empower gig workers and nano enterprises with financial and digital literacy by not just imparting knowledge but also opening doors to economic opportunities and financial stability.”

Further commending the partnership, Neelima D’silva Dalvi, Lead CSR  at Mahindra Finance, said, “Our partnership with NIIT Foundation aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering inclusive growth. This program will play a crucial role in creating a more financially savvy and digitally empowered community, ultimately contributing to India’s economic progress.”

Looking ahead, NIIT Foundation and Mahindra Finance envision expanding the program’s reach to more beneficiaries in the coming years. This initiative marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to upskilling India’s gig workforce and promoting financial inclusion on a national scale.

The initiative features a mobile training facility equipped with 16 computers, internet connectivity, and comprehensive training materials. Certified trainers, including an IT trainer and a mobilizer, who encourages individuals to enrol in the program, travel with the vehicle to provide hands-on support. The program offers customizable courses tailored to community needs, covering digital literacy, financial literacy, and vocational skills.

Since its inception, the program has made significant strides in impacting lives. The DTV has reached 8,667 beneficiaries, while the Hole in the Wall Learning Stations, which are installed in the villages after the DTV departs, have engaged 2,190 individuals. The initiative has successfully installed 12 Hole in the Wall Learning Stations across various locations from August 2023 to March 2024, promoting digital literacy and self-directed learning.

Highlighting the need for such initiatives, Amit Malik, Vice President, Ciena India, said, “In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, it has become increasingly crucial to equip our youth with the skills they need to thrive and navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively. Our collaboration with NIIT Foundation allows us to manifest our commitment to narrowing the digital divide while also encouraging skill development – creating meaningful opportunities for communities far and wide.”

Further highlighting the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, Charu Kapoor, Country Director at NIIT Foundation, noted, “Leveraging the expertise and resources of the private sector, paired with an NGO’s reach, and understanding of the demographic landscape paves the way for maximising the impact of such initiatives. Our collaborative efforts with Ciena, in this regard, have made substantial strides since its commencement and we aim to continually stride towards effectively prepare the youth for the highly competitive job market in our ever-evolving world.”

Looking ahead, NIIT Foundation and Ciena aim to expand the program’s reach across Faridabad (Haryana) to impact more than 8,500 beneficiaries, introducing new courses aligned with emerging digital trends and exploring further opportunities to empower the youth and allow them to confidently steer through the rapidly digitising world.