Stories
The SEF training has clearly had a profound impact on both the participants and stakeholders. It's great to hear that the importance of contracts and clear expectations resonated with everyone involved. Empowering participants to recognize the value of their skills and explore opportunities within their current environment can lead to sustainable income streams and community benefits. Key takeaways from the training: - Contract awareness: Highlighting the need for clear expectations in business relationships - Skills valuation: Participants now recognize the lifelong value of their acquired skills - Opportunity recognition: Encouraging exploration of growth opportunities within current roles The SEF programme's impact extends beyond employment – it's equipping participants with skills and business owners with tools for sustainability.
Training was conducted at Metagenics offices on the 13 February to a group of African Language speaking group. The presentation was done in isiZulu , all the participants they said it was the first time for them to be introduced to Financial Education aswell as to learn about a personal Budget planning, to learn about different types of insurance, aswell as to learn about different types of bank account. 90% of the attended people enjoyed the program, participating 😀 writing, setting their Savings Goals that they will be saving starting in things month. Every one enjoyed the activities and mostly the TV activity 😀 the session started at 8:30 am and finished around 16:40 pm . We had tea breaks aswell as a lunch, during the session I gave my group ice breakers aswell as smoking ntakes
I conducted a Sanlam worksite financial literacy training on 17 February 2025 for the department of education in Springs. The intention of the session was to equip the participants with knowledge and tools to help them make sound financial decisions. The participants arrived with great expectancy, they were a mixture of the elderly and the young. As we began the room was filled with energy as most of the elderly were a few years before retirement age. The investments and retirements was the subject of the day. Most participants were excited to discuss about endowments .This group was very interactive and engaging, Time seemed to be moving fast as we came to the end of the session the participants stayed and started chatting by themselves in groups about what was learned in the session and spoke of their gratitude to have had a chance to attend such a session.
on the 09th february 2026, i had some budgeting basics sessions. the session helped the participants realise that they have been spending most on wants which lead them in to debts , they where excited to relook at their budget and pririotize needs over wants and also use snowball methods to pay off debts they currently have.
On the 08th of February 2026 i ran some budgeting basics webinars. in the begining i could the participants still wondering what they are going to gain on the session, but as the session goes they realised that this is a great space to learn. some thing that stood the most is the pay yourself first as they noticed that it can help them to save a portion of their income before spending because if they spend first they end up saving too small or not save at all
On 07 February 2026 I had Budgeting Basics sessions, it was great to see how enthusiasic the participants where. and the fact that they where learning from each other made the session great as some they where free to share even their personal experience. some never saw the importance of having a budget but at the end of session they where looking forwad to using a budget as they saw the impact it have on financies
Boosting My Income- Mankele Adventures 22/01/2026 On the 22nd of January 2026. I had an opportunity to facilitate the workshop for SEF beneficiaries. What a great opportunity to kick off 2026 . The *Boosting Your Income* training was conducted for SEF beneficiaries at Mankele Adventures with the aim of equipping participants with practical financial knowledge and income-generating skills. Many of them came from backgrounds where income is limited and irregular, and most had never received formal training on budgeting, saving, or creating additional income streams. Before the training, participants largely depended on stipends or family support and had limited understanding of how small financial decisions impact long-term stability. There was also a common belief that increasing income is only possible through formal employment, which made many feel discouraged about their financial future. During the training, participants were introduced to key concepts such as budgeting, needs versus wants, saving habits, and simple ways to boost income using skills and resources they already have. Practical examples and group discussions helped them relate the content to their own lives. They were encouraged to think creatively about side hustles, such as selling handmade items, or using digital platforms to market skills. When these ideas were shared on of the participants shared her story that she was part of the consortium that was involved in farming. It was successful to a point that they were suppliers of fresh produce to the local Pick n Pay. However she had to leave because of disagreements and now she is in search of the land where she can start her own farming business. Her issue was resolved immediately when one of the participants offered her the opportunity to come use the land that is big enough for all of them as she was also in the farming busines. This proved that these sessions are great for networking and collaboration as the impact was almost immediate for the participant. The others were grateful that they got to share their business ideas as well as existing businesses and got prospective support from the team present. The impact of the training was evident in the group’s changed attitudes toward money. Many reported feeling more motivated to start small income-generating activities. The training also sparked conversations amongst the about collaboration and supporting one another in business ideas. Overall, the Boosting my Income training empowered the participants with practical financial skills and a mindset shift toward financial responsibility and entrepreneurship. The programme contributed to building confidence, financial awareness, and a foundation for long-term economic participation, aligning with Avocado Vision’s goal of empowering South African’s to improve their livelihoods sustainably.
The Sanlam worksite financial literacy training for the month of October took place in kloofendal Park .The purpose was to equip the members of the Department of Health about Retirements, the attendance was of the young and old .This session was welcomed with both hands even thou many came to relax and unwind .The activities got the group focused whilst many questions were discussed .this group was very interactive and engaging .They were some who were shy to ask infront of their colleagues but made way to come after the session and asked questions.as the session came to an end many voiced out how they appreciate avocado Vision and Sanlam for making sure that they gain more knowledge .There was a sense of empowerment and hope .this initiative has fostered a culture of financial responsibility
For the month of August Sanlam workplace financial training took place as a Wellness programme in different government departments around Bloemfontein. All trainings were allocated module 1 and module 4 which is budgeting and management debt, Highlighting from the participants questions and comments the government employees have what we call full time or permanent source of income to some it is enough and to others it is not enough according to their expenses. However one thing stood out as a compirable is lacking financial discipline on majority of them and spending unnecessarily and them being open about it showed they are willing to learn and change their financial situations. Starting with the (budget M1) the entry level post new employees are still hyped and taken by the standards of living compared to the alumni’s, the purchasing of the latest expensive vehicles, buying new clothes and renting expensive apartments were one of their expenses racing against their income and good part is others were willing to change their spending habits. Furthermore another financial point that stood out was on their mortgages and car finances we digged deeper on fixed and variable interest rates, the repo rate impact on their debts as well as the refinancing and negotiating the interest on their debts.
