Vea Jain and Akarshi Gaur: Empowering Children with Financial Literacy Through Gamified Learning

In a world where financial literacy is often overlooked, two young visionaries, Vea Jain and Akarshi Gaur, are reshaping the landscape by introducing children to the concepts of finance and savings through their innovative gamified learning program, FinFloat. Their journey began with a shared realization of the importance of understanding money matters from an early age, leading them to embark on a mission to empower young minds with essential financial skills.

A Meeting of Minds

Vea Jain and Akarshi Gaur’s paths converged at Thapar’s Entrepreneurship Academy (TEA) online, where they discovered a common passion for bridging the gap between children and financial literacy. Their own experiences as teenagers witnessing complex financial discussions among adults inspired them to create a platform that would make finance accessible and engaging for children.

From Inspiration to Innovation:

Akarshi, an eighteen-year-old from Indore bound for the University of Southern California, realized the lack of knowledge about managing money when she turned 18. “I didn’t know a thing about how to save or invest. In short, I didn’t know anything about dealing with money,” she recalls. Partnering with Vea, a fifteen-year-old student from Oberoi International School, Mumbai, they conceptualized FinFloat – a gamified learning program designed for children aged four to nine.

The TEA Mentorship Advantage:

Guided by mentors at Thapar’s Entrepreneurship Academy, including Anand Agarwal and Kunal Mehra, Vea and Akarshi transformed their idea into reality. Their mentors provided insights on research, planning, pricing, manufacturing, and pitching, helping the duo shape FinFloat into a tangible offering that aimed to revolutionize financial education for children.

Unveiling FinFloat:

FinFloat, a simple yet ingenious concept, is presented in a box that contains a reward card, instruction card, sticker sheet, and 55 cards divided into two sets. The program is designed to teach children fundamental financial concepts through a playful approach.

Learning through Play:

The Learn cards introduce children to basic concepts like needs and wants, delayed gratification, budgeting, and savings, utilizing simple language and relatable examples. As children grasp these concepts, they move on to Task cards, which incorporate real-world scenarios in the form of suggested chores. Upon completing each task, children earn points that they can accumulate and redeem for rewards, offering a practical lesson in decision-making and budgeting.

Shaping Future Financial Leaders:

Vea and Akarshi believe that equipping the younger generation with financial skills is crucial for their future success. FinFloat not only imparts knowledge but also provides a safe space for children to learn through trial and error, fostering a sense of confidence in handling money matters.

Overcoming Challenges and Triumphs:

The journey of these young entrepreneurs wasn’t without challenges. Identifying the right niche and finalizing the product’s format proved to be crucial milestones. However, with determination and mentorship, they navigated these obstacles. Since its inception in 2021, FinFloat has sold approximately 100 boxes and garnered attention from various cities across India.

A Bright Future Ahead:

Vea and Akarshi’s aspirations extend beyond their initial success. They are actively reaching out to schools, stationery shops, and e-commerce platforms to expand their reach. With the goal of selling over 500 boxes within the first six months of their launch, they also plan to introduce new modules and cater to children aged 9 to 13.

Uniqueness in Innovation:

When discussing potential competition, Vea highlights the distinctiveness of FinFloat. Combining gamification, a family-oriented approach, and an engaging learning model, FinFloat stands out as a unique offering in the market. The continuous introduction of new modules ensures that the program remains relevant and one-of-a-kind.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Vea Jain and Akarshi Gaur’s endeavor to foster financial literacy among children is a testament to their determination, creativity, and commitment to making a difference. Their gamified learning program, FinFloat, not only equips young minds with essential financial skills but also inspires a new generation of financially savvy individuals. As Vea and Akarshi continue to chart their entrepreneurial journey, they leave an indelible mark on the landscape of financial education, ensuring that children are well-prepared for a future where financial literacy is a vital asset.