Making History Through Financial Literacy: The Theresa Chibogu FinLit-A-Thon

 

I am Theresa Chibogu, a passionate Financial Literacy Expert dedicated to eradicating poverty in Africa through innovative and inclusive educational strategies. My approach combines poetry, game-based learning, and equitable teaching practices to create a transformative impact in the lives of young people. Today, I invite you to join me on a journey that aims to revolutionize education and empower the next generation to fight financial illiteracy.

The Vision Behind KAFI Africa

Since 2018, I have been at the forefront of advocating for the integration of financial literacy into school curricula across Africa. My initiative, KAFI Africa—an acronym for “Kick Against Financial Illiteracy”—serves as a bold call to action. KAFI Africa is rooted in the belief that financial literacy is not just a skill but a critical tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. Through this initiative, we focus on:

• Equity: Ensuring access to financial education for all, irrespective of gender, socioeconomic background, or location.

• Innovation: Using poetry, games, and storytelling to make learning engaging and relatable.

• Sustainability: Promoting green financial literacy practices that align with global sustainability goals.

The endorsement of the Lagos State Government has been a pivotal milestone for KAFI Africa, allowing us to implement financial literacy programs in all public schools. This landmark approval validates our mission and sets the stage for transformative change across Nigeria.

Attempting a Guinness World Record

On December 13, 2024, I will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Financial Literacy Lesson. This groundbreaking event will take place at Lagos City Polytechnic and promises to be an unforgettable moment in the fight against financial illiteracy. Over the course of 24 hours, I will teach 31 topics, each lasting an hour, to an audience of teachers and tertiary institution students.

This world record attempt is more than just a personal milestone; it’s a statement. By embarking on this journey, I hope to:

1. Raise awareness about the importance of financial education as a cornerstone of poverty eradication.

2. Inspire policymakers globally to prioritize inclusive financial literacy education within their educational frameworks.

3. Showcase Africa’s leadership in addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Launching the Theresa Chibogu FinLit-A-Thon

This world record attempt will also mark the official launch of the Theresa Chibogu FinLit-A-Thon, an annual event dedicated to empowering young leaders to champion the financial literacy movement. The FinLit-A-Thon aims to foster a community of advocates who will continue to push for education reform and inspire change within their communities.

By combining education, advocacy, and innovation, the FinLit-A-Thon will serve as a platform to:

• Train the next generation of financial literacy educators.

• Build partnerships with public and private stakeholders to scale financial literacy programs.

• Drive research and dialogue on effective financial education strategies.

Why Financial Literacy Matters

In Africa, financial illiteracy remains a significant barrier to economic growth and individual prosperity. Many young people graduate from schools without the essential financial knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of saving, investing, and managing money. The consequences are far-reaching, contributing to cycles of poverty, unemployment, and financial exclusion.

Financial literacy is a game-changer. It equips individuals with the tools to:

• Make informed financial decisions.

• Plan for the future and achieve financial independence.

• Contribute to economic development at both local and national levels.

By embedding financial literacy into school curricula, we are not just teaching a subject; we are empowering students to build a sustainable and secure future.

The Role of Poetry and Games in Financial Literacy Education

One of the hallmarks of my approach is the use of poetry and games to teach financial concepts. Poetry simplifies complex ideas and connects with learners on an emotional level, making the content more memorable. Games, on the other hand, foster engagement, collaboration, and critical thinking.

For example, through a poem about budgeting, students can learn the importance of tracking expenses and prioritizing needs over wants. Similarly, a game that simulates saving and investing teaches players about risk management and goal-setting in a fun and interactive way.

By integrating these creative methods, financial literacy education becomes accessible and enjoyable for learners of all ages.

A Call to Action

As I prepare to make history, I invite you to join me in this transformative journey. The success of this initiative depends not only on my efforts but also on the collective support of individuals, organizations, and policymakers who believe in the power of education to change lives.

Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Sponsor the Theresa Chibogu FinLit-A-Thon: Your sponsorship will help us expand our reach and create more opportunities for young people to access financial literacy education.

2. Advocate for education reform: Encourage local and national governments to prioritize financial literacy as a mandatory part of school curricula.

3. Spread the word: Share our mission and goals with your networks to raise awareness about the importance of financial education.

For sponsorship and inquiries, please contact me at +234 8163 786 154.

Together, Let’s End Financial Illiteracy

The fight against poverty begins with education, and financial literacy is a critical piece of the puzzle. By empowering young people with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions, we are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future.

As I embark on this world record attempt, I am filled with hope and determination. This is not just my journey. it’s a movement. A movement to Kick Against Financial Illiteracy (KAFI) and create a world where financial illiteracy is a thing of the past.

Let us come together to champion this cause, support the FinLit-A-Thon, and inspire a generation to dream big, act boldly, and build a future free from financial illiteracy.

🎗️ Together, we can make history. Together, we can end poverty.