Module 3: How to Set Up and Run a Financial Literacy Club in a School

Introduction

As a KAFI Changemaker, your responsibility goes beyond teaching financial literacy because you are creating communities of learning within schools. One of the most effective ways to do this is by establishing a KAFI Africa Financial Literacy Club in your adopted school. These clubs will act as platforms where financial education becomes fun, consistent, and deeply rooted in students’ everyday lives.

This module will walk you through how to successfully set up, manage, and sustain a KAFI Financial Literacy Club that drives transformation and equips students with real-life financial skills.

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Objectives of a KAFI Financial Literacy Club

The core objectives of establishing a KAFI Financial Literacy Club include:

• Promoting continuous financial literacy education beyond the classroom.
• Creating a safe, fun, and engaging space for students to discuss money matters.
• Fostering creativity, leadership, and critical thinking through student-led projects.
• Encouraging the development of financial habits such as saving, budgeting, and setting goals.
• Building a network of young money-wise ambassadors who inspire their peers and communities.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Club

First, begin by visiting the school management. Schedule a meeting with the headteacher or principal. During this meeting, explain who you are, your mission under KAFI Africa (Kick Against Financial Illiteracy in Africa), and the purpose of the club. Show them your letter of authorization and share a brief outline of the curriculum or club plan. Obtain verbal or written approval to operate within the school’s extracurricular structure.

Next, work with the school to choose a suitable day and time for the club. Many schools already have time allocated for clubs either Fridays or Wednesday afternoons are common. Choose a time that will not disrupt core academic activities.

Then, announce the club launch. You can speak during morning assembly, distribute handbills, or place posters around the school. Create excitement and share the benefits of joining the club. Let students know that the club is open to everyone but is best for those willing to grow into leaders and smart decision-makers.

Once students begin registering, collect their names, ages, classes, and contact details using a simple form. Keep these records safely, as you’ll use them to track attendance and engagement throughout the term.

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Forming a Leadership Structure

To keep the club student-led and engaging, appoint a small leadership team. Select students who show enthusiasm and maturity. Positions can include:

• President: Helps coordinate the session, motivates others, and leads games or presentations.
• Secretary: Takes attendance, writes notes, and handles basic documentation.
• Treasurer: Oversees any mock savings or budgeting exercises.
• Creatives or Media Head: Leads club songs, posters, and other creative activities.

Encourage leadership rotation each term to give more students the opportunity to grow.

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Planning the Club Launch

In preparation for the launch, decorate a corner of the classroom or club venue with colorful posters, slogans like “Smart Money Starts Here,” or student artwork. Prepare your materials ahead: lesson plan, welcome speech, games, and simple props.

During the launch event:

1. Give a warm welcome to all students and guests.
2. Introduce yourself, KAFI Africa, and the purpose of the club.
3. Lead an ice-breaker activity such as the “Money Name Game,” where each student introduces themselves with a money-related nickname (e.g., "Savey Sarah" or "Budget Benny").
4. Teach the first foundational topic, something light and engaging like “What is Money?”
5. Introduce the club pledge or anthem and recite it together.
6. Close with a fun quiz or short drama and a thank-you speech.

Take photos and videos (with permission) to document the event and build your portfolio.

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Weekly and Monthly Club Flow

Clubs should meet weekly or bi-weekly, with each session lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Each week should have a different focus. For example:

• Week 1: A teaching session on a financial topic such as saving, earning, or budgeting.
• Week 2: A role-play activity, quiz competition, or financial game.
• Week 3: Storytelling or real-life case study discussion.
• Week 4: Project presentation or group assignment showcase.

At the end of each month, you can organize a mini event such as a guest speaker session, a school-wide quiz, or a money market day where students simulate real-world trading.

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Examples of Engaging Club Activities

To keep students engaged, vary your activities. Here are a few ideas:

• Savings Challenge: Encourage students to save a specific amount each week.
• Mock Market: Create a mini market where students act as buyers and sellers using fake currency.
• Drama Skits: Have students act out financial scenarios such as choosing between needs and wants.
• Classroom Budgeting: Work with students to design a sample family budget.
• Story Time: Share real-life financial stories or invite guest speakers who can inspire.

You can also include music, poetry, dance, or drawing activities tied to financial literacy topics. Use creativity to bring money lessons to life.

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Tools and Materials You’ll Need

To run your club smoothly, gather these items:

• A folder for attendance and lesson tracking.
• A whiteboard or flip chart with markers for illustrations.
• Printed lesson plans or flashcards from the KAFI curriculum.
• Role-play props like play money, price tags, baskets, or student-made items.
• Stickers, badges, or certificates to reward participation.
• A Bluetooth speaker or Android device for audio-based learning or songs.

If your school has limited resources, be creative, draw charts on cardboard, use empty containers for market days, or act out scenes instead of printing materials.

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Working with School Authorities

Success depends on collaboration with school leadership. Assign a teacher to serve as a club advisor. Keep them informed of your sessions and progress. Involve them occasionally in sessions as guest speakers, judges, or mentors.

Prepare short monthly reports to present to school management, highlighting:

• Number of students enrolled.
• Topics taught.
• Activities carried out.
• Student feedback or testimonials.
• Any achievements or challenges.

This builds trust and ensures long-term support.

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How to Keep Students Interested

Engagement is key. Use praise frequently, clap, shout out names, or award “Money Smart Star of the Week.” Rotate leaders and let students take turns presenting.

Encourage peer learning. Ask students to create their own money quotes or write songs. Celebrate their work with small tokens, stickers, pens, badges, or a photo on the KAFI bulletin board.

You can also organize inter-class or inter-school club competitions to inspire pride and ownership.

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Tracking and Reporting Progress

As a Changemaker, you must measure your impact. Use simple tools like:

• Weekly attendance lists.
• A checklist of topics taught.
• Notes on what went well or what needs improvement.
• Student surveys (verbal or written) asking what they’ve learned.

At the end of each term, summarize:

• Total sessions conducted.
• Number of students impacted.
• Three major outcomes (e.g., “70% of members can now explain how to budget”).
• Photos or posters of club activities.

Submit your report to KAFI headquarters and also share highlights on social media or during outreach programs.

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Dealing with Challenges

You may face obstacles. Some common ones include:

• Low turnout: Build excitement through peer invitations and praise those who attend consistently.
• Time constraints: Work with teachers to adjust schedules if needed.
• Lack of materials: Be resourceful, use recycled items, role-play, or oral storytelling.
• Resistance from staff: Host a demo session for teachers so they can experience the value firsthand.
• Student fatigue: Mix up your methods, add songs, dances, or surprise guests.

Remember, your energy and creativity set the tone.

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Reflective Questions

1. What steps will you take in the first week after adopting your school to start the club?
2. How will you ensure students keep showing up week after week?
3. What fun activity will you introduce to launch the club?
4. How will you involve teachers in the club’s journey?
5. What will you do if attendance drops halfway through the term?

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Assignment: 

In the comment session, kindly outline a 12 weeks lesson plan for your proposed school.

Include your name & country.