The popularity of mobile phones across the world makes mobile technology one of the most promising learning tools available today. According to the United Nations International Telecommunication Union, by the end of this year, 96% of the global population will own a mobile phone – nearly five times more than the number of computer users. Mobile content is easy to upgrade and circulate online, and it provides fast and efficient methods of collaborating and communicating. With the support of Citi Foundation, the American India Foundation (AIF) has developed two mobile applications designed to improve financial literacy among beneficiaries of AIF’s livelihoods programs. “The potential for disseminating knowledge through mobile technology is immense,” says AIF Country Director Dr. Hemanth Paul. “The AIF-Citi mobile applications for Financial Literacy engage youth innovatively, and provide a fun, interactive, and practical platform for them to learn lifelong lessons for positive financial behaviors.”

The mobile applications will strengthen the work of the Market Aligned Skills Training (MAST) program, a vocational training program for underprivileged youth across India. Once trained, qualified candidates are placed at entry-level jobs, beginning a path to financial independence. Yet, as most MAST graduates are first-time employees, they face financial challenges like opening bank accounts, getting a loan, and understanding their savings options. The two applications will serve as tools for underprivileged youth navigating new financial territory.

Mobile “Kunji” (Reference booklet): The “Kunji” app tests users on their financial knowledge through features like true/false quiz questions and step-by-step instructions on topics such as writing checks and online banking. The application also allows users to ask questions, which are answered by AIF staff.

Mobile Game: The Mobile Game app aims to reinforce classroom learning and instill responsible financial behavior in youth using real-life situations. The game uses a virtual 3D board in which the player can earn points (virtual money) by learning key skills and correctly answering financial questions.

Both these apps, which are available in English and in Hindi with English script, are designed to be inclusive and customizable, and can be used by anyone who wishes to improve his or her financial skills. Remarks candidate Madhu, 21, “I have never played a game that combines both education and fun. I play this game at least once every day. I am very happy to be able to ask questions on subjects I don’t know about related to financial literacy.”

AIF launched the mobile applications on May 31 at a MAST center in Gurgaon, to an audience of MAST candidates, faculty, and partners. Thirteen volunteers competed for the highest score in the game. “The game has evoked interest in me about financial literacy,” says 25-year-old Sheetal, a MAST participant. “Earlier, I often found the classes on financial literacy boring and dull. I have learned a lot with this game that I didn’t know earlier. It’s great for me to know different types of address proof, identity proof and other documents required for opening a bank account.”

AIF will roll out the new mobile applications to 100 MAST candidates in Delhi and Jaipur by the end of September 2013. Based on the output and the impact of the pilot, AIF will add more features such as a web interface, videos, and images, and scale up outreach to other livelihoods programs across India, such as Rickshaw Sangh.

( This article brought to you courtesy of www.aif.org)

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