Building an Inclusive Future through Equal Access to Learning

The issue of employment opportunity gaps for young people remains a major challenge. Despite recent progress, International Labour Organization (ILO) data estimates there are around 65 million unemployed youth worldwide. In Indonesia, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded approximately 7.26 million unemployed people as of February 2025, with young people, including women, accounting for nearly 50 percent of the total.

Fitrianti, Head of the Learner and Character Development Subgroup for Early Childhood and Community Education at the DKI Jakarta Provincial Education Office, stressed the importance of ensuring equal access to learning opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities. “Financial literacy is one of the essential skills that the younger generation needs to support their future independence. Through initiatives like #SmartMoneyTalksABLE, we hope more students gain access to equal, relevant, and quality learning opportunities. This programme reflects the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building an inclusive education ecosystem and empowering young people to participate actively in social and economic life,” said Fitrianti.

In response, Citibank, N.A., Indonesia (Citi Indonesia) together with YCAB Foundation organised an inclusive financial literacy workshop for teenagers, including those with physical disabilities from several Special Schools (SLB) in DKI Jakarta. The activity aims to expand access to financial education as a crucial foundation for independence and improved quality of life.

Hario Widyananto, Country Head of Public Affairs at Citi Indonesia, conveyed the importance of collaborating with various parties to equip the younger generation with financial literacy. “As a manifestation of that commitment, we are proud to hold this literacy workshop to help young people, including women and people with disabilities, develop their financial literacy so they can participate more broadly in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future,” said Hario.

Meanwhile, Linda Sukandar, Chief Operating Officer of YCAB Foundation, emphasised the importance of ensuring equal learning access for all young people, including those with disabilities.