Background

Across the globe, most individuals have raised their voices about the importance of education, for there is no tool that is as powerful as quality education in building a stronger and smarter community. In developing countries such as India, social and economic hierarchies percolate into the domain of education, stripping many children of the right to equal education. As a result of this, many surveys have made the disconcerting observation of how education often does not result in learning, visible in entry-grade basic levels that are abysmally low (ASER 2018 report). To be specific, many grade-5 students have language and mathematical skills equivalent to that of a grade-2 student, drawing our attention to how many classroom spaces are far from reaching a space of providing holistic education to young learners (ASER 2018). Holistic education, after all, is one wherein students can safely envision their dreams becoming a reality, and learning the fundamentals of business and entrepreneurship is undeniably the most effective tool for the same. 

In recent years, many policymakers and educators have identified the importance of business and entrepreneurship, as it is only by developing students’ interest in entrepreneurship that we can bolster development and the economy in the long run, creating better employment opportunities, particularly for the marginalised. However, when traditional classroom systems and education structures are falling short of delivering quality education in fundamental disciplines such as language, mathematics, sciences, and social sciences to young children in schools, how can we start a better conversation about business from a very young age? It is at this juncture that Future 500 steps in, as by closely working with educational institutions and young students, this project hopes to incorporate business and entrepreneurial lessons into the traditional curriculum. 

Through a series of tailor-made educational resources exploring diverse business models in greater depth, fundraiser and resource donations targeted at skill-building, and fostering a network of young entrepreneurship enthusiasts, Future 500 hopes to lay the foundations for a better tomorrow — one driven by ambitious young minds who are confident and comfortable in sharing their dreams by overcoming their everyday difficulties.