The Ministry of Education (MEC) has taken a new step toward strengthening financial literacy in the country’s public schools. The “Na Ponta do Lápis” program was officially launched this July, aimed at promoting financial, tax, social security, and insurance education among students in basic education.

The initiative aims to prepare young people to manage their money wisely, plan for the future, and make more responsible purchasing decisions.

The program incorporates contemporary topics from the National Common Core Curriculum (BNCC) related to the “Economics” macroarea. The focus is on developing practical skills in students, as well as supporting teachers and school administrators in implementing educational activities on the topic.

According to the Ministry of Education (MEC), the proposal also seeks to promote educational equity while respecting regional, ethnic-racial, socioeconomic, and gender contexts, as well as recognizing the central role of education professionals in developing meaningful and transformative practices.

One of the core principles of Na Ponta do Lápis is the ongoing professional development of teachers, administrators, and technical staff at state education departments to plan and implement initiatives aimed at strengthening financial education for students in basic education.

How Membership Works

Participation in the program by states, municipalities, and the Federal District will be voluntary. Upon joining, these entities commit to developing a specific action plan, mobilizing their educational teams, and sharing best practices with the Ministry of Education (MEC). They will also be required to provide data and information to guide the federal government’s technical and financial assistance efforts.

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Strategic Committee and Coordination with Other Policies

The pedagogical guidelines and implementation criteria are yet to be defined by an inter-agency strategic committee, which will bring together representatives from the Ministry of Education (MEC), the Ministry of Social Security, the Central Bank, the Ministry of Finance, Caixa Econômica Federal, the Superintendence of Private Insurance, the Federal Revenue Service, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the National Union of Municipal Education Directors (Undime), and the National Council of Education Secretaries (Consed).

In addition, the Na Ponta do Lápis program will work in coordination with other public policies aimed at promoting school retention and inclusion, such as the Pé-de-Meia program, reinforcing the role of education as a driver of citizenship and social justice.

Reach potential

According to data from the 2024 School Census, the initiative has the potential to reach more than 30 million students and 2 million elementary and secondary school teachers, helping to ensure that the next generation of Brazilians is better prepared to face the challenges of financial life.

Sources: Ministry of Educationand G1.

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