Stories
Traveled from the Free State Province to the Northern Cape Province to facilitate training sessions on modules 2, 4, 5, and 13 for Sanlam employees. The team welcomed me with a warm reception and actively engaged throughout the entire session. One participant expressed gratitude for the insightful training and suggested the need for additional sessions of a similar caliber. Subsequently, same modules worksite training was held in Bloemfontein, with the role play centered on funeral arrangements in module 13 being particularly remarkable. The Sanlam team displayed remarkable talent, immersing us in a vivid portrayal of the complexities and emotions involved in planning a funeral(I wish I could share the video, it was captivating). This experience emphasized the importance of insurance coverage for both ourselves and our loved ones. The team remained fully engaged until the end of the session, their enthusiastic response to the training deeply moved me and even brought tears to my eyes as I hear them explaining the profound impact the training will play on their lives and transforming their perspectives on life itself. Thank you Avocado Vision!
The Money Fo Sho training was done on the 29th April in the deep rural area of Umzinto in a place called Mistake Farm as per client iTOO's request that we train the rural community. The turnout was good though we had 30 learners instead of the 32 expected but there was a confusion around the class number and that was the reason we did not have the target of 32 as requested. What touched me most about these participants is that, most of them had either Grade 12 or Tertiary qualification but were unemployed, living in that remote area with less resources and job opportunities was frustrating and they were over the moon about this opportunity. The Budget and Boosting my income were the most interesting topics of the day as we debated about having a shortfall instead of a surplus in your budget and how living a lie(shortfall) may destroy one's life if not quickly attended to. The youngsters were also very much excited to learn about setting financial goals using the SMART principle and the importance of classifying them according the the duration so as to help them set goals according to their current financial statuses. Much insight was gained and the participants were thrilled to bits and even asked that we come back to conduct more training as they felt the whole community needs the financial skills, moreover they do not get much of such trainings in the rural areas.
It was a remarkable gathering in the community of Botshabelo village, where I trained Money fo Sho module. The other two participants traveled from Zastron, an hour's drive from Botshabelo, which was truly heartening to see individuals making such an effort to attend my sessions🙂. One of the attendees expressed that "she does not regret coming, as she came directly from her night shift to the session, and she will certainly recommend it to others."It was truly one of the most memorable lessons I have had. Avocado Vision, thank you for empowering our communities with the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions about their lives, especially when it comes to finances.
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.
