The Erasmus+ project “Navigating Digital Finance,” held in Benalmádena, Spain from May 22 to 30, 2023, gathered youth workers from across Europe and beyond to build strong, modern competencies in financial literacy. Organized under the theme of digital finance, the training course addressed the growing gap in financial knowledge caused by the fast pace of digital change. Participants, representing youth-focused NGOs, came together to learn how to guide young people through a world shaped by online banking, digital wallets, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain technology. For youth workers from Le Coeur des Mascareignes in France (Reunion), the program became a turning point in understanding how inclusive and responsible financial education could support long-term empowerment in their island community.
In Reunion Island, located in the Indian Ocean and part of the French Republic, many social and environmental challenges affect youth. In May 2023, local youth workers observed increasing rates of digital poverty, financial exclusion, and misinformation surrounding online services. Many young people, especially those in rural areas or from low-income families, lacked access to reliable internet and devices, making it hard for them to use digital banking or apply for financial support. Some had never used an online banking platform, and others had been victims of scams due to a lack of understanding of digital financial security. Additionally, unemployment rates among youth remained high, creating a feeling of hopelessness and dependency. This situation was worsened by environmental challenges, such as regular tropical storms that affected infrastructure, access to education, and family stability. Financial literacy was not widely promoted in schools, and most young people had little or no training in managing money, budgeting, or planning for the future.
During the training course in Benalmádena, the participants from Le Coeur des Mascareignes discovered a new world of tools and ideas. It was the first time many of them had explored topics like blockchain and cryptocurrencies in a structured and youth-focused environment. The expert-led seminars and interactive workshops helped make these complex topics easier to understand and more relevant to their work. One particularly eye-opening experience was a practical session on mobile banking, where participants tested various apps and compared how different countries use financial technology. They also had the chance to exchange experiences with youth workers from countries with advanced digital finance ecosystems, such as Germany and Finland. These conversations showed the importance of policy support and public education in building financial confidence. In one session, a Spanish local community group presented how they partnered with schools to introduce digital budgeting simulations to teenagers. This was especially inspiring and gave the Reunion team the motivation to think about similar projects at home.
When the group returned to Reunion Island, they decided to develop a project called “Finance Sans Frontières,” a series of workshops for young people aged 16–25 in underserved neighborhoods. The idea was to mix fun and learning through digital finance games, group discussions, and real-life simulations. These workshops aimed to help young people understand how to open and use an online bank account, create a budget, and identify financial fraud. The project also included the use of simple tools like Google Sheets and mobile apps to plan expenses and track savings goals. Inspired by the training in Spain, the team invited local digital experts and even a representative from a local bank to share practical tips and answer questions. All activities were adapted to the local context, using Reunion Creole and French to make the information accessible and culturally relevant.
The impact of “Finance Sans Frontières” became visible after only a few months. Over 120 young people participated in the first wave of workshops. Many of them said it was the first time they truly understood how to manage money digitally. One participant said the training helped him save enough money to enroll in a professional driving course, which opened doors for employment. Schools and youth centers started to request similar sessions, and the project grew beyond the original plan. The local government also took notice. Representatives from the municipality invited the NGO team to share their insights at a youth policy forum. As a result, there are ongoing talks about including digital finance modules in the region’s official youth development programs. In addition, several teachers began to use the workshop materials in classrooms, planting seeds for long-term change.
This journey showed that youth are not only future leaders—they are capable of changing systems now, especially when given the right tools and trust. The experience in Benalmádena gave the participants from Le Coeur des Mascareignes more than technical knowledge. It gave them confidence, connections, and the vision to build a future where young people in Reunion Island can take control of their financial lives. Digital finance is not just about technology—it is about fairness, access, and self-respect. When youth are supported in understanding how money works in a digital world, they can protect themselves, support their families, and build stronger communities.
Looking ahead, the team believes that this is only the beginning. The energy of young people, especially those who have often been left behind, can shape a more equal and smart future. With continued cooperation between NGOs, schools, banks, and public institutions, digital financial literacy can become a key pillar of youth empowerment in Reunion and beyond. The tools exist. The passion is real. And the time to act is now.