Women social and economic strengthening

Introduction

The Financial Literacy Training was successfully conducted from 2nd to 4th January 2025 at the Fortune School of Excellence. The training targeted 25 students and graduates supported by the Charity Centre for Children and Youth Development (CCCYD) in partnership with the Beautiful World Canada Foundation. This initiative was made possible through financial support from GIGA.

Objectives of the Training

The training aimed to:

1. Equip participants with fundamental skills for managing personal and professional finances.
2. Promote an understanding of budgeting, saving, and investment principles.
3. Empower participants to apply financial literacy concepts to entrepreneurial ventures.

Participants

The training successfully engaged 25 participants, consisting of:

• 15 students pursuing various academic disciplines.
• 10 graduates, including alumni of CCCYD’s scholarship programs.

These participants were selected based on their current or past association with CCCYD's education and mentorship programs.

Program Content

The three-day training covered the following key topics:

1. Introduction to Financial Literacy: Understanding financial goals and their importance.
2. Budgeting: Developing and managing personal and household budgets.
3. Saving and Investment: Identifying effective saving strategies and beginner investment options.
4. Debt Management: Learning responsible borrowing and repayment practices.
5. Entrepreneurship and Financial Management: Linking financial literacy to small business operations.
6. Technology in Finance: Using digital financial tools like mobile money and digital banking.

Facilitators

The sessions were led by experienced trainers, including:

• Financial experts with extensive experience in personal and small business finance.
• Entrepreneurs who shared practical insights on starting and managing small businesses.
• Mentors with a background in youth financial empowerment and digital tools.

Training Methodology

To ensure maximum engagement, the training used a variety of interactive and practical approaches:

• Lectures and Discussions: Facilitator-led sessions enriched by participant input.
• Case Studies and Simulations: Real-life financial scenarios for hands-on learning.
• Group Work: Collaborative exercises on budget preparation and business planning.

Outcomes

The training achieved the following milestones:

1. Enhanced financial literacy, reflected in improved pre- and post-training evaluation scores.
2. Development of personal financial plans by all participants.
3. Increased interest in saving, investment, and entrepreneurship among attendees.
4. Formation of a peer group to encourage continuous financial learning and accountability.

Feedback from Participants

Participants expressed appreciation for the practical and engaging nature of the training. Some feedback highlights include:

• "I now feel confident in managing my finances and starting to save for my goals."
• "The entrepreneurship sessions inspired me to think about starting a small business."

Acknowledgments

We extend our heartfelt thanks to:

• GIGA for funding this critical initiative.
• Beautiful World Canada Foundation for their continuous support.
• Fortune School of Excellence for providing a conducive training environment.

Conclusion

The Financial Literacy Training empowered 25 students and graduates with essential knowledge and skills to manage their finances effectively. CCCYD remains committed to fostering self-reliance and financial independence through such impactful programs.