Background

Throughout the course of history, if we seek to understand how communities are formed, one common force is present in bringing people together: the experience of migration. When it becomes difficult to make ends meet in one’s homeland, individuals and families move across seas and cross borders to new spaces, with hearts full of hope for a prosperous future. It is easy to overlook the reasons behind migration, and the desire to overcome socioeconomic vulnerabilities is a driving factor that cannot be emphasized enough. 

It is no secret that hundreds of thousands of migrant workers from around the world, especially South Asia, are drawn to Dubai (because of its undisputable position as a true global center of opportunity and business). In the context of India, for instance, there is an influx of migrants from rural spaces to metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. However, navigating the social, economic, and cultural landscape is a major challenge for many, especially for people who come from underserved communities, who often find themselves in vicious cycles of exploitative labor systems. Most migrant workers know very little about the most basic financial tools, like investment options, credit scores, or even savings accounts. Over half of migrant laborers only use cash for all purposes, which leaves them open to financial exploitation and fraud, often without proper documentation or safety nets to fall back on during times of distress. 

If one were to zoom in, it is impossible to overlook how migrants are unable to establish a stable future for themselves and their families because of this lack of financial literacy, which feeds a vicious cycle of economic instability. Breaking Ground if founded with the humble goal to bridge this gap. Our goal is to equip migrant laborers with the knowledge and skills they need to take charge of their financial health and create a more secure future, and this will be executed through tailormade, easily accessible financial literacy interventions. Our project aims to make financial literacy a reality for those who need it most, as we believe it to be a fundamental right that can empower us to envision a better tomorrow.