For 127 adolescent girls, September was an opportunity to learn more than just how to save. Through a week-long financial management training, the girls from six community safe spaces gained hands on skills to help them manage their savings groups and make informed decisions about money.
Facilitators from Empowering Youth through Data and Community Development (EYDCD) guided the girls, including savings group leaders and members, through regular saving, accurate record-keeping, loan tracking, interest calculations and budgeting. They also learned how to use digital wallets safely and understand the transaction fees involved.
The girls actively participated, asking questions and practising how to keep their group records accurate. To build on this learning, each of the six safe spaces will receive updated ledger books, while field officers will provide weekly mentorship to help the groups put their skills into practice.
As the groups develop, they will be connected to wider micro-savings opportunities, giving the girls further opportunities to strengthen their financial management skills and grow their savings together.
