For many parents and guardians in Kamanga and M’tendere, managing household finances has always been a daily balancing act stretching limited incomes to meet growing family needs. But over the course of five days, something began to change.
Under the Young & Empowered Project (YEP III), more than 30 parents and guardians came together for a 5 days financial literacy training that became much more than a classroom experience. It turned into a space for open dialogue, shared struggles, and collective learning.
On the first day, conversations were honest and relatable. Participants spoke about the pressures of providing for their families, the difficulty of saving, and the reality of living from hand to mouth. For many, financial planning felt out of reach.
But as the days progressed, the atmosphere began to shift.
Through practical sessions and peer learning, participants started to unpack how money flows within their households. They explored simple tools budgeting, tracking expenses, and prioritizing needs over wants. What once seemed complicated slowly became understandable.
One parent Kalaluka Sitali shared how, for the first time, they realized where their money was spent more each month. Another Cathrine Mainza spoke about the possibility of saving, even in small amounts, something they had never considered achievable before.
By the final day, the change was visible not just in what participants had learned, but in how they thought. Managing finances was no longer seen as an impossible task, but as a skill they could build over time. Small steps writing down expenses, planning ahead, and setting aside even the smallest savings now felt within reach.
The training left behind more than knowledge. It sparked confidence and a renewed sense of control over household finances.
As the Young & Empowered Project III prepares to welcome another group of parents and guardians, the impact continues to grow. Each trained household becomes a starting point for change, creating a ripple effect of stronger, more resilient families across the community.
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