Labels
BY:

Module 8: Introduction to Banking and Mobile Money


Theme: Your Money, Safe and Smart

Target Group: Children (Ages 9–14)

Duration: 60 minutes (extendable over two sessions)

Objective: To introduce children to the basics of banking, mobile money, and safe money management in today’s digital world, emphasizing accessibility across African countries.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, learners should be able to:

  • Understand what a bank is and why it is important.
  • Identify different types of banks and mobile money platforms.
  • Recognize the importance of saving money in a secure place.
  • Know how mobile money and digital banking are transforming financial access in Africa.
  • Learn basic banking terms like savings account, ATM, interest, and mobile wallet.

Opening Discussion (10 Minutes)

Start with an open question:

“Where do you keep your money, and why?”

Let children respond some may say “under the pillow,” “in a box,” “with mummy,” or “in a piggy bank.”

Then ask:

“What if you saved money for two years and someone stole it from under your bed? What could you have done differently?”

Use this to introduce the concept of safe and smart saving through banks and mobile money systems.

Part 1: What is a Bank? (10 Minutes)

Explain in simple terms: A bank is a special place where people keep their money safe. Banks help people save, borrow, send, and receive money.

Introduce the idea of:

  • Savings account: A place to put money you don’t want to spend now.
  • Interest: A small extra amount the bank gives you for saving with them.

Use a relatable analogy:

“Saving in a bank is like planting a seed. The longer you leave it, the more it grows.”

Real-life Examples Across Africa:

  • Kenya: Many people use Equity Bank or Co-operative Bank for savings.
  • South Africa: Capitec and FNB are banks that serve many communities.
  • Ghana: GCB Bank and Fidelity Bank help people save money easily.
  • Nigeria: Access Bank and UBA have accounts for children and students.
  • Uganda: Centenary Bank offers services even in rural areas.

Part 2: What is Mobile Money? (15 Minutes)

Explain mobile money in simple terms: Mobile money is using your phone to send, receive, and save money without needing a bank.

This is especially popular in areas with no physical banks.

Popular Mobile Money Services in Africa:

  • M-Pesa (Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana)
  • MTN MoMo (Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda)
  • Airtel Money (Zambia, Malawi, Uganda, Niger)
  • Orange Money (Ivory Coast, Senegal, Mali)
  • EcoCash (Zimbabwe)

Explain how mobile money:

  • Allows people to save money on their phone.
  • Helps people send money to family members far away.
  • Is safer than carrying cash in your pocket.
  • Can even pay for school fees or buy groceries.

Part 3: How to Open a Simple Bank or Mobile Account (10 Minutes)

Walk them through child-friendly steps, while noting that children typically need a parent/guardian to open an account.

For Banks:

  1. Go with your parent to a bank.
  2. Bring ID or birth certificate.
  3. Fill out a form to open a savings account.
  4. The bank gives you a passbook or ATM card.

For Mobile Money:

  1. Go with a parent or adult to a mobile money agent.
  2. Register your phone number.
  3. Load money into the mobile wallet.
  4. Use a secret PIN to keep it safe.

Discuss:

“Why is it important to keep your PIN private?”

Explain that telling others your PIN is like giving someone the key to your money.

Part 4: Benefits of Using Banks and Mobile Money (10 Minutes)

Ask learners: “Why do you think people use banks or mobile money instead of hiding money at home?”

List benefits:

  • Safety: Money in a bank or mobile wallet can’t be stolen easily.
  • Convenience: You can access money anytime with an ATM or phone.
  • Growth: Banks pay you a little interest to keep your money.
  • Records: You can track how much you’ve saved or spent.
  • Goal Setting: It's easier to save for something big like school, books, or a bicycle.

Part 5: Activity – Design Your Own Bank Card or Mobile Wallet (10 Minutes)

Let students draw their own imaginary bank card or mobile wallet screen. Encourage creativity while helping them write:

  • A bank or mobile money name
  • A name for their account
  • One thing they want to save for
  • Their own “secret” symbol or logo

This reinforces personal ownership of their financial choices.

Part 6: KAFI Changemaker Tips

  • Emphasize that saving is for everyone, not just rich people.
  • Reinforce that safety and responsibility are key when using digital tools.
  • Promote banking and mobile money as tools for empowerment, especially for young people in Africa.

Assignment

Ask learners to:

  • Go home and ask their parents or guardians if they have a bank or mobile money account.
  • Find out what they use it for and how they keep it safe.
  • Record their findings in a short report: “How My Family Uses Banks or Mobile Money.”

Optional:

  • Interview a mobile money agent in the community with a parent’s help.

Conclusion

From Nairobi to Lagos, Accra to Kigali, mobile money and banking are transforming how African families manage their finances. Teaching young people how these systems work is not only smart is necessary.

Encourage learners to see banks and mobile money not just as adult tools but as pathways to their own financial freedom.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment