Elavon announces sponsorship of FinLit

LONDON (18 December 2023) – How teenagers learn about money matters in London schools will be getting a shake-up following the launch of FinLit, a charity that aims to increase financial literacy in young adults. Elavon Financial Services, a global payments provider, is FinLit’s major corporate sponsor, the company has announced today.

Elavon recently hosted FinLit’s launch event in its Moorgate office. Teachers, school administrators and local politicians were present to see first-hand the impact the FinLit content was having on students. Students from Bonus Pastor Catholic College in Bromley took part in the launch.

Players from the University of Essex Rebels basketball club, for which Elavon is the headline sponsor, also took the students through basketball drills and spoke about where post-college education can take them.

Ikem Odeh, a FinLit co-founder, says giving people the tools to make sound financial decisions at a young age is crucial to helping them as adults.

“Money is such a hidden conversation. We don’t talk about it in schools. We don’t talk about it at work. That lack of knowledge only becomes apparent when we need to make critical decisions, and we’re too often underprepared,” says Odeh.

“We want to better equip young people with the skills to manage themselves financially. In disadvantaged areas and disadvantaged schools, especially, we need to level the playing field.”

Hemlata Narasimhan, President of Elavon in Europe, says organisations like FinLit are vital to ensuring today’s youth are prepared for making important financial decisions when they are needed most.

“As a payments and financial services provider, we know just how important money matters are throughout your life, and having solid foundational knowledge about finance goes a long way.”

The charity is run by a small team of six, all with a corporate background. As well as working with a number of schools in London, and hoping to expand into other areas of the UK, FinLit is working with several professional football club youth academies.

The sponsorship will also give Elavon employees volunteering opportunities. All Elavon employees receive 16 hours each year to volunteer in their communities.