Financial Literacy and Business Fundamentals Course
Our local partner, the Kwanini Foundation, has concluded the second round of its Financial Literacy and Business Fundamentals course through its Kasa (livelihood) Center. So far, 113 residents of Makangale, Pemba, have earned their graduation certificates, each having completed 10 classes that lasted an average of 1.5 hours. The curriculum covered topics such as Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Basic Economics, Simple Accounting, Budgeting, Money Management, and Business Planning, among others, equipping participants with essential skills for financial independence and sustainable business operations.
Adapting Education to the Rhythms of the Ocean
Understanding the unique lifestyle of Makangale’s residents, whose daily activities are intricately linked to the ocean’s tides and cycles, the course was scheduled to accommodate everyone. The initial round of classes was held six times a day, catering to each Eco-Village Savings and Loans group, with sessions repeated over two consecutive days. This flexible scheduling ensured maximum participation, respecting the community’s dependence on the ocean for their livelihood. The second round further refined this approach, offering two classes daily, one in the morning and another in the afternoon.
Blend of Knowledge and Hands-on Practice
Practical exercises formed the core of the learning experience, ranging from listing expenses for hypothetical businesses to brainstorming solutions for challenges eco-loan recipients might face. The innovative use of four money boxes helped participants effectively manage their funds, dividing them into categories for personal use, business investments, cash on hand, and savings. These activities, combined with mini case studies of real-world business dilemmas, such as managing credit requests from family and friends, coping with losses from damaged products, and understanding the importance of savings for emergencies, provided a hands-on approach to learning.
Knowledge Meets Practice
The impact of the course is already visible in the daily life of Makangale. While strolling through the village, one can encounter participants reviewing their course handouts under the cool shade of trees or experimenting with solar dryers and organic fertiliser production, thereby combining the newfound knowledge from the course with the practical skills learned during the workshops held earlier this year, unlocking new opportunities.
Outlook: Empowerment and Sustainable Growth
With many now having finalised their business plans and formed peer-borrower groups, as well as more courses planned in the near future and the imminent disbursement of the first eco-loans, this marks a new chapter for the Kasa Incubation Center. Participants committed to using their loans for business ventures, timely repayments, and environmental initiatives will gain access to larger eco-loans, additional market support, product labeling, certification, and even training opportunities within Zanzibar and Tanzania.
The Kasa Center
Kwanini Foundation‘s Kasa Center focuses on empowering local communities through educational programs, no-interest eco-loans, and technical assistance to foster personal development and income-generating, nature-positive enterprises. With the vision of harmonising economic prosperity, entrepreneurship, and nature protection, Kasa helps Pembans become more resilient to climate, economic, and social challenges.
