Bringing EconReads Into the Classroom

One of the most rewarding parts of building EconReads has always been seeing it move beyond a website and become something that genuinely improves students’ learning. Over the past two years, we have been fortunate to develop a long-term partnership with the AICB Capt. Chandanlal Special School for the Blind, where our curriculum has gradually become integrated into classroom learning and is now used by their students on a regular basis.

After seeing the impact that the platform had made, the school kindly invited me to spend a week on campus leading a series of in-person workshops. It was an opportunity I was incredibly grateful for, as it allowed me to meet the students who use EconReads every day and experience firsthand how the platform fits into their education.

Throughout the week, we conducted 32 separate workshops, covering many of the core financial literacy and economics topics available on EconReads, alongside English language sessions designed to strengthen communication and comprehension skills. Rather than simply delivering lectures, the workshops were designed to be highly interactive. Students were encouraged to ask questions, discuss real-world examples, solve problems together, and relate the concepts to situations they encounter in their own lives.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the week was seeing how engaged the students were. Whether we were discussing budgeting, banking, inflation, saving, or everyday financial decisions, the conversations consistently went beyond the planned material. Students shared thoughtful perspectives, challenged ideas, and demonstrated an eagerness to understand concepts that are often overlooked in traditional curricula.

The English workshops were equally rewarding. We worked on reading comprehension, vocabulary, spoken communication, and confidence in expressing ideas. Watching students become increasingly comfortable participating in discussions over the course of the week was incredibly encouraging, and it reinforced the importance of creating learning environments where every student feels able to contribute.

Perhaps the most meaningful moments came outside the formal workshops. During breaks and after sessions, many students spoke to me about how they had been using EconReads independently. Hearing them describe how the platform’s accessible design and audio-first lessons had allowed them to learn without relying on someone else to read material aloud was genuinely moving. Several students shared that they felt more confident discussing financial topics with their families, while others explained that the lessons had introduced them to concepts they had never previously encountered in school.

These conversations served as a powerful reminder of why accessibility matters. Educational resources should not simply exist—they should be designed so that every student can access them independently. For many visually impaired learners, this independence can make a tremendous difference to both confidence and long-term educational outcomes.

The week also provided valuable feedback that will help shape the future of EconReads. Speaking directly with students and teachers highlighted areas where we can continue improving the platform, whether through additional curriculum topics, improved navigation, or new accessibility features. There is no substitute for hearing directly from the people who use the platform every day.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the administration, teachers, and students at AICB Capt. Chandanlal Special School for the Blind for their warm welcome and continued partnership, especially Meena Aneja, the principal of the school. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to engage made the week an unforgettable experience.

Building EconReads has always been about creating opportunities through accessible education. Spending a week in the classroom transformed that mission from something I saw through website analytics and usage statistics into something deeply personal. Seeing students actively engage with material that had originally been created behind a computer screen was an incredibly humbling experience, and it reminded me that the true impact of any educational initiative is measured not by the number of lessons published, but by the confidence, independence, and opportunities it creates for the people it serves.

I look forward to continuing our partnership with AICB Capt. Chandanlal Special School for the Blind and working together to ensure that every visually impaired student has access to the educational resources they deserve.