Within the international project Grundtvig Multilateral – Financial literacy for Roma (FINALLY: http://finally.splet.arnes.si/), RIC Novo mesto together with partners from 5 countries has developed an educational program and special tools adapted to the specific needs of the Roma minority and focused on gaining new practical skills of financial literacy. During the spring and summer months we implemented pilot actions and testing the programme and tools in almost all partners countries. The training of teachers and trainers in Slovenia was implemented in May and lasted 24 hours. First group of Roma participants have finished their 56 hour program at the end of June. The project results and developed tools were tested by 19 Roma. 17 participants have successfully finished the programme.

The Program consists of 4 modules:

• Household Budgeting – Plan Ahead And Spend Wisely
• Saving For The Future
• Sensible Borrowing
• Increasing Your Income

This will improve their attitude towards money, efficiency in budget management, quality of life and their trust in bank services. Besides RIC’s mentors the programme was enriched by the visit of a bank employee and an entrepreneur. The programme and tools received positive feedback from Roma and from professionals. The program can also be adapted, with just minor adaptations, for training of other vulnerable groups both adults and children.
The programme and tools in all partner languages are now in the final stage of development.