Avo Solutions
New trainers from across Western Cape, Northern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga recently gathered in Bedfordview to undergo Avo Vision's intensive one-week Train The Trainer (T3) programme. The programme focused on Consumer Financial Education programmes: Money fo'Sho! and our Money Module programmes, which cover essential financial literacy topics.
Avo Vision is looking to expand its national footprint to reach participants and communities across all contexts – urban and rural, formal and informal. Partnering with organisations rooted in communities where they will be delivering the skills is crucial, as they know their communities better and can mobilise as trusted community members.
Through this T3 process, the new trainers were exposed to Avo Vision's unique methodology, which emphasises learning through doing and conversation, allowing trainers to teach effectively in their local languages. This ensures engagement and helps participants comprehend and relate to what is shared.
One of the trainers, Sipho Mbonani from Kwamhlanga, Mpumalanga, says this was an eye-opener for him. As someone with a Financial Education Certificate from another service provider, he did not understand the in-depth knowledge of financial products. He further explains that the module that stood out for him was "Boosting Your Income" because, with the state of the economy, people get to learn different ways to make money and realise there are various approaches. "There are a lot of people in communities who are not aware of their talents or even know how to tap into their entrepreneurial mindset instead of looking for employment or waiting for government grants to generate income. This is a great opportunity for me to be the one who empowers my community with such skills," he excitedly explained.
The Two-Pot system was the star of the show, as most trainers were fascinated by the in-depth details of how this system works. They had only been hearing about it in news reports and didn't have all the insights, but are now confident to share with others. One of Avo Vision's trainers, Modjadji Raphekela, who has been conducting sessions since 2017, demonstrated this module: "This was personal for me. It touched me as a teacher by profession because a lot of people make mistakes, so I wanted to share my knowledge as we already had an online T3 before the system was implemented." Modjadji further explains that she is looking forward to building relations with new trainers and enjoyed connecting with them, as she got an opportunity to learn new tricks and tips in facilitating sessions.
At Avo Vision, we believe that the trainers are lifelong students as they learn new things every day. Angeline Naidoo from George, Western Cape, says she was aware of financial education programmes as a facilitator but was not aware of the deeper details and is now implementing them in her personal life. "I am now re-evaluating my budget as well as my insurance for the car, and I have started looking for other ways to increase my income thanks to 'Boosting Your Income'." Angie further commends the training master for keeping the energy level high and for the clear delivery of all lessons.
According to Avo Vision's Project Manager, Lutendo Mukhuba, what was different with this year's T3 is that the trainers were very knowledgeable as first-timers and most had experience in consumer financial education. "I am looking forward to expanding our national footprint, because we are now in areas that we were not in before. I enjoyed all the presentations and learned a lot about the Two-Pot System, which left me with no questions."
Community Empowerment Mission
Avo Vision is proud to deliver sessions of high standard to communities. These trainers will be added to the 40 active trainers who are already in communities delivering financial education and enterprise development skills. To partner with us to equip societies with essential skills, contact engage@avovision.co.za and see the new opportunity for change.
