Is it possible for every elementary school student in Lithuania to acquire the foundations of financial literacy and entrepreneurship while still in school? Assistant principals responsible for elementary education say the answer is yes—and not in a decade, but within the next three years.
To make this ambition a reality, schools are coming together in a shared network, aiming to inspire change across Lithuania through their own example. Lithuanian Junior Achievement (LJA), together with the Devbridge Foundation, has launched the national initiative “An LJA Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship Lesson for Every Elementary School Student.” The initiative encourages schools to incorporate a dedicated, regular entrepreneurship and financial literacy lesson into the curriculum from the earliest grades.
“We believe that early financial literacy and entrepreneurship education is one of the most important investments we can make in children’s futures. When schools introduce a structured, hands-on lesson, children gain more than knowledge—they learn how to think, make decisions, and build confidence in themselves,” says Gintarė Dzindzelėtaitė-Kelmelė, Head of the Devbridge Foundation.
In practice, this means that alongside traditional subjects, students’ schedules include an “LJA lesson”—a space where children learn through real-world experiences to understand the value of money, make decisions, collaborate with others, and create.
At a recent discussion, assistant principals from schools participating in the network not only endorsed this direction but also shared firsthand experiences of how these programs are already transforming learning in their schools—and what it will take to make such opportunities available to every elementary school student in Lithuania.
From an Idea to Real Change in the Classroom
A clear message emerged from the discussion: financial literacy and entrepreneurship are not “extra” topics. They are essential components of a modern education that help children better understand both the world around them and their place within it.
Assistant principals from schools that have already implemented the programs emphasized that:
hands-on activities allow children to experience learning rather than simply hear about it;
students develop a stronger understanding of the value of money, the consequences of choices, and personal responsibility;
student motivation and classroom engagement increase significantly.
Teachers working with the programs also report that financial literacy and entrepreneurship education influences much more than individual lessons—it positively impacts the entire school culture:
students become more active and confident in expressing their opinions;
collaboration and discussion become more common in classrooms;
teachers find it easier to integrate concepts across different subjects;
interdisciplinary connections emerge more naturally.
One idea surfaced repeatedly throughout the discussion: when education is built around practical experiences, it is not only students who change—the entire school evolves.
100,000 Elementary School Students in Three Years: An Ambition with Broad Support
Lithuanian Junior Achievement’s strategic goal of reaching 100,000 elementary school students across Lithuania within three years received strong support from participating school leaders.
The initiative already rests on a solid foundation:
1,600 teachers are currently using LJA educational content;
25,000 elementary school students participate in the programs;
five years of practical implementation experience have been accumulated;
three dedicated programs for elementary grades have been developed.
Assistant principals agreed that this is no longer a pilot project or an experiment—it is a mature model that can and should be expanded.
What Is Needed for a Breakthrough?
Several key factors emerged as essential for scaling the initiative:
1. Teacher Preparation
Over the next three years, approximately 5,000 additional teachers will need to be trained to deliver the programs effectively in their classrooms.
2. Leadership from School Administrators
School principals and assistant principals play a critical role because they:
make decisions about educational priorities and direction;
inspire and support teachers;
create an environment where innovation can thrive.
3. Making Experiential Learning the Norm
Learning through experience should become a natural part of classroom instruction rather than an exception.
Achieving this requires consistent teacher preparation. Experienced educators who have already worked with entrepreneurship and financial literacy programs play a particularly important role. By sharing practical examples, teaching methods, and lesson strategies, they help colleagues build confidence and integrate hands-on learning into everyday teaching.
In this way, schools develop not only professional competencies but also strong communities of practice, where teachers learn from one another, exchange experiences, and drive meaningful change together.
Investing in Lithuania’s Future
“Every Elementary School Student Financially Literate” is more than a slogan. It is an investment in a strong, entrepreneurial-minded society capable of building Lithuania’s future. And, as school leaders agree, this vision is entirely achievable.
We welcome enthusiastic school leaders, teachers, and communities that would like to join this growing network of schools. Parents, educators, and researchers all agree on one thing: the earlier children encounter and engage with real-life experiences, the more confidently they move forward.
If you would like to learn more or begin preparing to introduce a structured financial literacy program in your school starting next academic year, we encourage you to complete the application form. We look forward to meeting you at upcoming events for elementary school teachers and school leaders.
Information provided by Lithuanian Junior Achievement (LJA).