Rural Women Development Trust (RWDT), Tharamangalam, successfully organized a two-day Financial Literacy Training Programme on 12th and 13th June 2025, with support from Ashraya Hastha Trust. The training was held at RWDT’s training centre and saw active participation from over 40 young women, including trainees from the tailoring centre at KR Thoppur and students enrolled in the driving course.

The sessions were facilitated by Ms. V. Alamelu, Director of RWDT, Ms. Vasanthi, a subject expert, and other experienced trainers. The programme was designed to build foundational financial knowledge and empower participants to manage their personal and household finances confidently.

The training covered a wide range of practical and essential topics, including:

• Understanding income, expenses, and savings
• Personal budget planning and diary maintenance
• Opening and operating bank accounts and fixed deposits
• Saving through Self-Help Groups and post office schemes
• The importance of insurance and investments
• PAN card, KYC updates, and identity documentation
• Using digital banking tools such as ATMs, mobile banking, and BHIM

Special attention was given to familiarizing the participants with government financial schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), MUDRA loans, Weavers’ Credit Card, and the Kalaignar Credit Scheme, equipping them with knowledge to access credit responsibly and avoid high-risk informal lending.

To make the sessions interactive and impactful, the training included group discussions, presentations, and brainstorming activities, allowing the girls to engage, share ideas, and clarify doubts in a safe and supportive environment.

Participants expressed their enthusiasm and shared that the training had broadened their understanding of financial management and inspired them to take charge of their economic decisions.

As a follow-up, all the beneficiaries have been encouraged to maintain daily expense records and begin regular savings in nationalised banks to secure their future and build financial independence.