Journey Through Life

Journey Through Life is a modern educational board game primarily designed for upper primary school students and secondary school students, though it can also be used in families or during leisure activities. The game was developed to support the development of financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and, most importantly, soft skills such as communication, collaboration, decision-making, assertiveness, and problem-solving. It is designed to introduce players to important life decisions in education, career, and financial management through a playful and experiential approach. By simulating real-life situations, participants acquire not only knowledge but also practical competencies that can be applied in everyday life.

Key Activities and Student Experience
Each player controls two figurines, each representing an independent life. This allows players to experience two distinct life paths simultaneously, enabling them to compare the advantages and disadvantages of different decisions. The game is divided into two main phases. The first phase focuses on education, where players choose between primary, secondary, or tertiary education. This decision significantly influences their future opportunities. The second phase represents working life, in which players pursue the path of an employee or an entrepreneur. Each option carries its own benefits and risks – employees receive a stable income but have less freedom of choice, while entrepreneurs face uncertainty and risk but have the potential for higher rewards.

During the game, players encounter random events that simulate real-life situations, such as unexpected expenses, opportunities for profitable deals, or career setbacks. Through these experiences, participants learn to respond to change, bear the consequences of their decisions, and adapt their plans to current circumstances. An interesting aspect of the game is that players are not only active during their own turns – they must also observe others, as the game’s progression can indirectly affect their situation.

Program Features and Principles
Journey Through Life functions as an experiential learning method, allowing participants to explore various life scenarios in a safe environment. Through direct experience, players gain a deeper understanding that every decision carries consequences. The game promotes financial literacy, critical thinking, and skills associated with entrepreneurship and career orientation. It emphasizes a practical approach, the development of social skills, and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.

Methodology and Structure
The game rules are simple and can be explained within 10–15 minutes, allowing the game to be integrated into a standard class period. The ideal playing time is approximately 90 minutes, and the game can be played by 2 to 8 participants, with the optimal group size being five to six players. The game structure is clearly divided into the education phase and the working-life phase, with each figurine completing both phases independently. Game outcomes can be evaluated not only based on overall financial gain but also according to who becomes the most successful employee or entrepreneur.

Expected Outcomes and Value
Students participating in the game gain concrete experience in making decisions about education and career paths, develop an awareness of the consequences of their choices, and gain a realistic perspective that higher education does not guarantee automatic success, and entrepreneurship involves both opportunities and risks. The game fosters critical and strategic thinking, communication and negotiation skills, and enhances confidence in problem-solving. For educators, it provides a flexible tool that can be adapted to the length of a class period and the needs of a specific group of students.