Learning by experiencing Escape Rooms: Financial Literacy for Adults

<< Background >>We applied for this project because financial education, consumer protection, and financial inclusion are crucial for individuals' financial empowerment, as recognized by the OECD and the European Commission. Studies show that financial literacy remains low, particularly among vulnerable groups like rural populations. The EU/OECD-INFE Financial Competence Framework for Adults (2022) highlighted the need for improvement, and we saw an opportunity to contribute through innovative digital learning solutions. Rural adults often have limited access to financial education, making them more vulnerable to economic instability, financial exclusion, and fraud — challenges worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this, the project aimed to provide effective, engaging, and accessible tool allowing to enhance financial knowledge and competences among vulnerable individuals and ultimately contribute to the EU’s broader goal of improving financial literacy across member states. << Objectives >>Through this project, we wanted to improve financial literacy among adults, especially those living in rural areas, by providing them with essential financial knowledge and practical skills. Our goal was to enhance their ability to manage personal finances, make informed financial decisions, and protect themselves from fraud. To achieve this, we developed a Virtual Escape Room, an engaging game-based learning tool that helped participants understand key financial concepts such as budgeting, insurance, investment assessment, and fraud prevention. By implementing an interactive and digital approach, we aimed to make financial education more accessible and appealing, ensuring that learning is effective and adaptable to individual needs. By empowering individuals with better financial knowledge, we enabled them to enhance their overall financial well-being and economic stability.<< Implementation >>The project involved a series of structured activities to improve financial literacy among low-financial-literate adults, especially those living in rural areas. We began with desk and field research, analysing financial literacy gaps and needs, which led to the development of National and European Reports, and scientific paper. Based on these findings, we designed a Scenario-Based Learning course, where each partner created real-life financial scenarios tailored to the needs of the target group. Then we developed a Virtual Escape Room game, integrating these scenarios into an interactive and digital learning environment. Additionally, we conducted a three-stage testing process—Alpha, Beta, and Pilot testing—to ensure the effectiveness of the Virtual Escape Room. The Pilot testing took place during Multiplier Events, gathering feedback from stakeholders and refining the tool based on real user experiences. After each testing phase, we repeatedly improved and enhanced the tool to maximize its usability. Finally, we implemented communication and dissemination activities, including a website, promotional materials, press releases, and social media outreach, ensuring the project’s visibility and accessibility to a wider audience.<< Results >>The FLER project produced significant outputs to enhance financial literacy among rural adults while ensuring high quality. Initially, we created a database of Game-Based Learning methods, focusing on Virtual Escape Rooms as an educational tool. We then conducted focus group research to identify key needs and challenges, documented in National Reports and consolidated into a European Report. The findings were also published in a scientific journal, validating our approach. A key educational outcome was the Scenario-Based Learning (SBL) course, featuring seven real-life financial literacy scenarios. These were integrated into the Financial Literacy Virtual Escape Room, an interactive digital platform. The platform underwent Alpha, Beta, and Pilot testing, leading to refinements and improvements, and was translated into multiple languages to ensure accessibility. We prioritized quality assurance, as confirmed by internal quality reports and two External Quality Evaluation Reports. Additionally, we developed promotional materials and organized Multiplier Events, gathering stakeholder feedback. These outputs supported the EU’s financial literacy goals.