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.

The Sanlam Worksite Financial Literacy training was conducted on the 14th October 2025 for the Abaqulusi Municipality employees. The purpose of the session was to equip participants with practical knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions that can improve their financial wellbeing. The modules done were My Budget and Managing Debt.The session was attended by a mixed group of employees-those who have recently joined the municipality and others who are about to retire. The attendance was good and the participants showed great enthusiasm throughout the training.They were highly interactive, actively participating in the group discussions and sharing personal financial experiences which made the session both engaging and relatable. The session proved to be fruitful. Many participants expressed that the information provided on the topics covered was eye-opening and relevant to their current financial situations especially those approaching retirement. After the session, several participants personally approached me to express their gratitude, highlighting how the training had given them valuable insights and motivation to manage their finances better.

The session Teaching children about money was presented to mostly elderly group. They appreciated the information and now they are able to teach it to their children and grandchildren. Unfortunately I cannot upload the video they took.

Sheronique Noordman is a young lady that participated in the Young people and money session. She was very keen on the information and said that the session has really opened her eyes to work better with her money.

Truffle was covered in August, it was not the full class but people were more than the number, but they understand and be part of the training, it was a very successful training, people were asking so many questions because they were new, and interested in this program as well, which made them to invite more people to attend another program, we are doing a very important work to the community 80% they recognize and appreciate what we do to them, once again thank you Avocado and the Team.

On the 29th of September - 1st of October I was doing Sanlam MFS and MM, it was a great opportunity for the community to have free financial skills which they always pay money for such information, some they travel from the farm to the community jut to get the free information, to work on the Rural areas made me a very passionate person as well as the respect I get from my learners and the community, this show how important it is to our communities. I am so proud to call myself a freelancer and changing people's lives🙌, when I was invited at the clinic for the next coming training, that shows me how important is this training.

More than Enough financial skill was held in the in City and in the Rural areas, it was a successful experience in all the ECDs and the parents, it has left them with an idea of how are they going to do their financial planning, learning about needs and wants was very helpful and understanding of their budget. The main challenge is the parents attendance, during the week is very poor, from now on the ECDs they recruit each other, because of this interesting program we bring to our communities. More to grow is one of the most powerful activities, that also open their parent's mind, they've been doing it but not aware of enough to grow. Thank you, Avocado and the Team.

I had the privilege of training employees from various corporate sectors on the critical skills of boosting income, budgeting, and managing debt. The trainings provided valuable insights that not only impacted their personal finances but also enhanced their overall financial literacy, enabling them to take more control over their economic well-being. By the end of the sessions, it was evident that the training had a profound effect on participants, fostering greater financial confidence and a renewed sense of purpose in their approach to budgeting, increasing income, and managing debt.