Stories
The Coronation Money Modular 1-12 Training conducted in April 2024 was a great success! The participants were Early Childwood Development Practitioners on an ECD L4 Learnership programme and they are already in the field based in the Umkumbaan area and the surroundings. Umkumbaan is one of the Historical areas in Durban and enjoys much opportunities under Ethekwini Municipality so choosing this community placed Avocado Vision / Coronation on the map. The participants were mostly youth which is also our focal point as we believe that money management skills should be instilled early in life. Eventhough the learners were already employed but very few had an idea of budgeting and how its application can change one's life. After doing the modules activities, it was so fulfilling to see how much information was imparted to the group especially on topics such as budgeting, boosting income,managing debt and risk and buying a car/ a house. The older participants in class shared their bad experiences with money which was like an eye-opener to the young ones as it brought more awareness on the dangers of not managing money and debt wisely. The highlight was topic on credit profiles and scores, they were very interested in understanding the importance of a good credit record as a financial asset and how not taking care of it can ruin your entire life. At the end of the training I could see how the engagement has transformed each and every individual who attended the sessions. The learners were grateful for the opportunity and felt that such trainings are much needed in the Umkumbaan community.
Kroondal is one of the oldest towns within Rustenburg. This community has a rich history and the place is as old as Rustenburg itself. Kroondal was established by the Germans in 1892, it was the headquarters of German Lutheran missions in the former Transvaal .The Germans settled in that area as farmers and supplying the local market with Agricultural produce .Exporting wheat and tobacco to Zimbabwe the then Rhodesia. The old Pretoria road currently known as N4 which have Kroondal toll gate, used to buzz with trucks filled with agricultural produce but today trucks are ferrying chrome as the mining activities has taken over . The Kroondal Meul Building opposite Spar stand as a reminder of the economic activities to the inclusion of Lutheran Church Museum. The area is now an informal settlements with no infrastructure and no service delivery as people coming from different parts of South Africa and outside borders of South Africa are settling in the area looking for greener pastures “ platinum corridor employment “. Thankfully with the assistance of Pastor Emily Boipelo Kubyana we were able to organize a 3 day Financial Lireracy Training with Money Fo Sho and 4 Money Modulars. we had more than 45 people show up on the first two days and had to refer them to a future date for training. The modules assisted in getting the community to engage with the subjects of economic difficulties and lack of money management within poorer communities. Also dealt with how they can take advantage of economic opportunities within the mining areas and knowledge of finance presented during these training. The community has many young people interested in starting own businesses and Module 10 was presented which speaks to them discovering their talents and gifts. Again Module 5 revisited talking on entrepreneurial stereotypes faced by upcoming business individuals. The community welcomed the initiative and thanked all those involved including Avocado Vision and the sponsors. Another change and transformation experienced by the Kroondal community. Thanks
On the 13th and 20th April 2024, I had the Privilege of Training the grade 11s and 12s in Money Fo' Sho at Grenswag High School in Rustenburg Northwest. The Session were attended by 60 Students over the two Saturdays. On Both Occassions learners Participatiion was at its Highest showing the Business prowess of this modern generation. Ms Boitumelo Diale being the one who organised these accounting learners told a story of how she shifted focus from mining into the classroom. Once an accounting official in the platinum mines she resigned to follow her longtime passion of teaching. the move saw her experiencing a salary cut and having to adjust things in her personal budgeting. she had to learn to live below her usual income. This and other important financial skills is what she now teaches to her precious learners. fast forward 5 years later Ms Diale still follows her dream through organizing for her learners courses such as Money Fo' Sho to help improve their financial literacy. The learners were very appreciative to Avocado Vision; Their Teacher and the School to have them be trained with this very important knowledge. The school is looking forward to host us again in 2025. Thanks again to Grenswag High and our sponsors for the impact made in the lives of ordinary South Africans and to the benefit of future generations.
Avocado vision in partnership with Absa successfully upskilled more than 500 communities members in the money for sho financial literacy program. Most information topics introduce was sounds as general knowledge to many , but when presented they start to pay attention and record nice the importance of, budgeting, savings, needs and wants, insurance and buying an iterms cash or instalment. Many participants share their early memory with money thought and regrets, the were encourage to continue manage their money better and safety, buy cash, saving for unexpected events. Some learners have no income, but It was important to learn about managing money so that when they start earning they will use their money wise and safety.
Avocado vision in partnership with Coronation fruitfully upskilled different communities in the financial literacy program, Nkosinathi Malabela a 36year old residing at Kamajika outside Hazyview he was one of those head opportunity to attend module one to twelve. He share his business ideas After attending module 5 boosting income as He was inspired to have alternative income and said "My plan is to open a scrap yard and Recycling company to weighing Scrap, metal, iron, tins and aluminum with 40% payout in every iterms, except bigger companies that recycling aluminum pay out R100 per kg because of their large contintie. It's a observed initiative Business idea as I use to work in same operation area as a security guard in the same side. I am looking towards to save or apply for funding to implement this business idea going forward. More Jobs opportunity can be created in this business idea after collected we sale to biggest scrap yard. I'm hoping that within 6 months off implications it have been grow extremely good. For any possible help will be highly appreciated"
I had an opportunity to train the community of Botshabelo Money Modular1-5. I booked the community library to train them, some had attended the training before and it did impact their lives in a way that “one of the participants shared about her business and how Avocado and our training helped him to start and keep the business running. Went as far as travelling out of town to train Thabo Mafutsanyane District the demand was high but we were struggling to get a venue to train them. It was beautiful to see our people making an effort to attend even though it was a holiday. Thank you Avocado Vision for bettering and empowering our communities.
I got an opportunity to train this new on this new project Bateleur in rural areas in Oudshoorn. I was so pleased to meet Social Development as well as the Councillour giving me a support on organizing this training . This training was held in Thusong centre. Young people from Oudshoorn appreciated having such opportunity as they said the are no opportunities in their area. They engaged on every subject on Money fo sho. Goal setting, drafting a budget, prioritizing their needs from wants understanding a will was an eye opener for them. They said even though they are unemployed this is preparing them for the future.
I had a privilege of being part of the eMalahleni Local Municipality wellness day where ABSA was given a slot to present Money fo’ sho!! to the employees. The discussion of Managing risk (especially wills) & managing debt had the impact to most of the participants. Most of them indicated that they didn’t know the process and importance of drafting a will. The understanding the cost of hire purchase also had an impact as most participants, stories on how debt affected them were shared amongst participants and they were happy that now they understand what questions to ask and how monitor their credit scores.
I had an opportunity of training Modules to interns in the Victor Khanye Municipality in a farming community of Waaikraal. The training was relevant and had an impact to them as they are youngsters who are starting out in life. The learners appreciated the training and knowledge gained on how to make proper decisions with their finances and start planning for the future. They were mostly thankful to Avocado Vision and Coronation for bringing this type of training to their small community as they sometimes feel like they are isolated since they almost never get such educational opportunities. I am grateful to Avocado Vision & Coronation for making it possible for us to reach and educate such communities who are in remote rural areas.
This week we were finishing the modules with the same group as last week in Hammarsdale,we were blessed by a sponsor who showed up and handed out caps,the participants were so excited,the next day we had a full class,I think they had thought,if they skipped class they were going to miss out on these random sponsors.I also felt like this week's Modules were very much relevant to them because they are young and starting Jobs,1 participant also got a job this week.In the middle of the session,she recieved a call,and it was a job offer.She started the following day at her new Job.Today is Friday and when we got to where we were training,Codah children's centre,where some of the participants work,the manager had organized a braai,She visited the class and said she was impressed by the feedback she was getting from her workers who she allowed to attend the sessions.She was very appreciative and wanted more training for more of her staff in other branches.All in all,these sessions had a huge impact to them and the whole organization.They also surprised me with a gift,I was not expecting anything,when I arrived in the morning,they presented the gift to me,thanking me for the training,it warmed my heart a lot,some people are really hungry for information,and if we do a good job at giving it to them,they show their appreciation.
