Truffle Money fo’sho July 2025 I had an opportunity of training the community in the City of Tshwane Municipality (Mamelodi & Bronkhorstspruit) on financial literacy. The groups agreed on finding it difficult to do budgeting properly, and saving for emergencies. Most of the people admitted that they lived from pay check to pay check, and some even borrowed money at high interest rates from loan sharks. All sessions were interactive. Participants shared their real-life money challenges like often running out of money before month-end or immediately after pay day. The participants were encouraged to draw a realistic budget, showing how even small amounts set aside for savings could grow over time. Responsible borrowing of money, as well as the cost of higher purchase and safer credit options through registered financial institutions was explained to the participants. What made the training impactful was that we used examples people could relate to. Participants learned how to track expenses, and set financial goals. I believe that financial literacy is not just about numbers it is about empowering the communities. With the right tools and knowledge, people can make smarter decisions, support each other, and slowly break cycles of poverty.

Truffle assets took place mostly in Khayelitsha. Most SANCO leaders requested this training. They wanted to know more about consumer financial education. It was really interesting how the interacted and engaging. Some of them were really challenging each other. They saw this kind of training as one of the tools that will transform lives better. It was really emotional to see some of them breaking in tears, thinking how much money they've wasted. It was then concluded that they will share this kind of knowledge with their family and friends.

The partnership between Avovision and Sanlam has been a great experience not only for me but for participants as well. I had the privilege to conduct worksite training with the department of health Mangaung Metro, of which a number of financial issues were highlighted by participants that includes administration,debt counseling and debt review. Some participants applied for debt review and counselling without proper understanding of how it works, but their consent has to get their debts restructured in order for them to attend to their other financial obligations. But what they've noticed after the session was that they had the chance to restructure their debts on their own without applying for debt review and counselling. And worse their debts were paid off but those accounts were not rescinded and paid up letters still not issued though their balances are R00.00. After the training that's when they realise the importance of having a good relationship with their creditors and banker, that could have avoided them from applying for debt review.

Truffle MFS took place at Villiersdorp community, it was a great opportunity opportunity for the learners, as we were finishing Truffle MFS in rural areas of the Western Cape, people were so excited and the willingness of changing their lives, you could see their faces, the most important thing for them was, since they are working seasons, they are so interested on doing businesses which they were not aware where to start,but by the assistance of Avocado Vision to get this training it has bring bright future to them and they want more such as entrepreneurship skills, which can take them to another level, the only challenge in the rural areas is the, vanue to do trainings, and lack of jobs,especially for those who are working in the Farms, because after the season they are struggling to pay their debts and the insurances, at least now they acknowledge where they lack, which they are going to start saving their money in the next season,this was really a great opportunity for the community of Villiersdorp.

On the 20th August i had a privilege of meeting this community together with the King Mahlangu they all came in numbers.Participants came prepared with note pads and as the session started they were enthusiastic to learn an the 50/30/20 rule was discussed at length.The funeral covers and wills was appreciated by the community and some participants shared their own experiences and were greatfull to learn more .the session was welcomed as many people learned how to manage the little they have.

Sanlam financial skill is such an interesting because our youth and adults they ask questions more than they participate to me it shows that every time we bring training to the community, it makes a difference in their lives, also shows how ready they are to be financially stable.

Truffle MFS took place at Villiersdorp community, I was so excited to see the impact of doing these trainings to our communities, our people understand how to sort their assets which makes me to understand what we serve and deliver to our community is really helpful.

Financial skills to our kids is such an amazing opportunity for them, they really enjoyed to be in the same class with their parents, it also teaches me how we as parents can take responsibility and acknowledge their talents, because most of the the we are not with them, which makes them not to take responsibility of using their money on the right way. The training was such inspired by the end where the parents and the kids take responsibility of choosing what they must save for and what to buy when they go to the shops.

We had the privilege to attend an event hosted by Department of Social Development Mangaung Metro women's day. Whereby a lot of challenges were discussed, resolved and tips shared amongst women on how to overcome their daily household finances and stick to their budget. What Mme Madina shared how she's been struggling to stick to her budget, but she kept on trying different method and she finally got it right by recording/tracking her daily, weekly and month expenses using her expenses notebook were she records and keep all her receipts. In that way she was able to trace her cost/expenses and cut were necessary, and at the end she managed to save for retirement, annual holidays and has an investment. I'll really also like to applaud Mr Moya's Sanlam Bloemfontein team for their support and visibility throughout the sessions and the event. Avo in partnership with Sanlam are really changing communities SA.

In July, I had the privilege of facilitating financial literacy training sessions for two key groups: employees from the Department of Public Works and members of the South African Football Association (SAFA). At the Department of Public Works, we conducted a two-day workshop covering essential topics such as taxation, money management, and the importance of budgeting. What stood out during this session was the high level of participation and enthusiasm from the attendees. Many were eager to engage in discussions, ask questions, and share personal financial experiences. The training highlighted a strong need for practical financial knowledge, and it was encouraging to see participants actively seeking tools to help them make informed financial decisions. The session with members of SAFA brought a different yet equally impactful experience. Participants were open and candid about the financial realities of working in the sports sector, including challenges related to irregular income and short career spans. Both sessions underscored the importance of tailored financial education and the positive impact it can have when delivered in an engaging and practical manner. It was an honour to contribute to the financial empowerment of these groups.