Building financially educated generation through kids

RETHABILE MOHONO

MASERU – In a bid to cultivate the next generation with strong financial acumen, TKO Financial Wellness & Advisory, in collaboration with STANLIB Lesotho, an asset management company in Lesotho, has introduced a financial programme known as the Young Money Programme.

The primary objective of this programme is to educate and empower teenagers, equipping them with the necessary skills to effectively manage their finances and comprehend the principles of financial planning.

The programme commenced on September 16, with the Maseru Cohort, consisting of approximately 20–25 teenagers aged between 15 and 17 years, hailing from various schools.

The subsequent session, scheduled to commence in November, will cater to cohorts from Leribe, Mafeteng, and Qacha.

In each district, there will be two in-person sessions where financial education workshops will be conducted, covering a range of topics including budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management.

According to Tokiso TKay Nthebe, the founder of the programme and a financial services advisor, the aim of this initiative is to prevent individuals from making common financial mistakes, particularly in their later years, which often arise due to a lack of financial education.

“Our objective is to instill these skills and knowledge at an early stage, enabling the youth to make sound financial decisions, such as managing their pocket money or NMDS allowances, when they enter tertiary education,” he stated.

To encourage continuous learning, Nthebe emphasised the creation of a learning portal where participants can access financial education videos, articles, resources, and quizzes.

“We have also introduced an essay competition where participants can compete for cash prizes that will assist them in opening investment accounts with STANLIB Lesotho,” he added, highlighting that the programme is free of charge.

While it is crucial for children to acquire financial literacy at a young age, there remains a significant need for financial education among older individuals.

Therefore, through the TKO Financial Wellness platform, Nthebe revealed that they have implemented various initiatives to address this gap.

“We have published a personal finance book titled ‘Let’s Change the Script: Chelete Ha Se Parcel!, which is a book that covers topics such as savings, debt management, insurance, investments, and retirement planning,” he said, explaining that they also published the Lisente 2 Makholo Financial Journal, a guide to help Basotho navigate their finances and be accountable to the finances.

In addition to that, he mentioned that they also possess a YouTube channel, podcast, and weekly email newsletter that offer educational content on financial matters.

“In collaboration with Alliance Insurance Company, I compose a weekly article on personal finance, host radio segments on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and generate content for digital platforms, specifically for Leruo (personal finance column). Additionally, we conduct monthly TV shows with LTV on Thahameso, where we engage in discussions on personal finance content,” he stated.

Nthebe also indicated that they organise workshops, programmes, seminars, and webinars for university students, recent graduates, young professionals, and pre-retirees.

“We also actively participate in corporate wellness programmes, with the aim of witnessing positive outcomes among both the younger and older Basotho population.”

NB: Kids can be registered for the programme by sending an email to info@tkofinancialwellness.co.ls.