Module 9: Planning for the Future

Theme: Saving Today, Securing Tomorrow

Target Group: Children (Ages 9–14)

Duration: 60 minutes

Objective: To help children understand the importance of planning for the future, how saving and setting goals contribute to achieving their dreams, and the role of financial decisions in long-term success.

Learning Objectives

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

Understand the concept of financial planning.
Set short-term and long-term goals for saving money.
Recognize the importance of saving money regularly, even in small amounts.
Learn about future expenses, such as education and business.
Understand the value of patience and persistence in achieving financial goals.

Opening Discussion (10 minutes)

Start by asking:

“What is something you want to buy in the future? Maybe a new bike, phone, or school supplies?”

Let children share what they want to achieve or purchase. After they respond, ask:

“How do you think you can save money to get these things?”

Use their answers to lead into the idea of future planning.
Explain that planning for the future is just like setting a goal and working towards it step by step, even if it takes time.

Part 1: Understanding Financial Goals (15 minutes)

What is a Goal?

A goal is something you want to achieve in the future. It could be a short-term goal (like buying a toy in one month) or a long-term goal (like paying for university or starting a small business).

Types of Goals:

Short-term Goals (1 month to 1 year)
- Saving for a new school bag or shoes.
- Buying a small gift for a friend or family member.
Medium-term Goals (1–5 years)
- Saving for a laptop or smartphone.
- Starting a small business (like selling snacks or crafts).
Long-term Goals (5+ years)
- Saving for university or higher education.
- Building a house or buying a car.

Why Setting Goals Matters

“Why is it important to set goals?”
Let children discuss their thoughts.
Explain that setting goals helps you stay focused and motivated. When you know what you want, it’s easier to take steps toward achieving it.

Part 2: The Power of Saving for the Future (15 minutes)

The Rule of Saving Regularly
Explain that saving isn’t just about putting away a large amount at once. Even small amounts of money saved regularly can grow over time. You don’t have to wait until you have a lot—starting small is powerful.

Example:

Musa's Goal – Musa wants to buy a new bicycle for ₦20,000 in 10 months. If he saves ₦2,000 each month, he will reach his goal.
“The more you save, the faster you reach your goal. It’s like filling a bucket drop by drop.”

Real-Life Example Across Africa:

Kenya: Samuel saves 50 shillings every week for his school fees. In a few months, he has enough to pay for his books and uniforms.
Ghana: Akosua puts aside 10 cedis from her pocket money to buy a phone in 6 months.
South Africa: Sipho saves 100 Rand every month for his university fund, making sure he has enough money to start his studies in 3 years.

Part 3: How to Set and Achieve Your Financial Goals (10 minutes)

Step-by-Step Guide to Goal Setting

Identify What You Want – Be clear about what you want to achieve. It could be a toy, school fees, or savings for future education.
Determine How Much You Need – Calculate how much money you need. For example, you want to buy a book that costs ₦2,000.
Set a Time Frame – Decide when you want to achieve your goal. Do you want it in 1 month, 3 months, or a year?
Create a Plan – Break down the amount of money you need into smaller steps. If you need ₦2,000 for a book in a month, save ₦500 each week.
Track Your Progress – Keep track of your savings. Use a notebook, a savings app, or a jar to count your savings.

Part 4: Delayed Gratification – The Power of Patience (10 minutes)

Delayed Gratification means waiting for a bigger reward in the future rather than getting something small right now.

Ask:

“Have you ever saved money to buy something big, like a new bicycle or phone? How did it feel to wait until you had enough?”

Discuss how waiting can be hard, but it's also the key to achieving bigger goals. Relate to African proverbs on patience:

Swahili (East Africa): “Haraka haraka haina baraka” – “Haste has no blessings.”
Yoruba (Nigeria): “Ti o ba pe, o ni gbe” – “Patience brings reward.”

Discuss the importance of planning and waiting. Saving over time, no matter how small, adds up and leads to big rewards.

Part 5: Activity – Create Your Own Savings Plan (10 minutes)

Ask students to set a personal goal for something they want to save for. Have them use the following steps:

What do I want to save for?
- Example: A toy, new clothes, books, or a new phone.
How much money do I need?
- Write the price.
How will I save for it?
- Will I save my pocket money? Sell something? Help a parent with work?
How long will it take me to reach my goal?
- Break the goal down into weekly or monthly steps.

Encourage students to track their savings in a notebook or digital app (using simple charts or calendars).

Part 6: KAFI Changemaker Tips

Start small – Even a little saved is progress. Every coin counts.
Be consistent – The key to successful saving is regularity.
Stay focused – It’s tempting to spend money on smaller things now, but your future goal will be more satisfying.
Involve your family – Talk to parents and guardians about your savings goals. They can help guide and support you.

Assignment

Ask students to:

Choose one short-term goal they want to save for in the next 3 months.
Break down how they will save for it, and track their progress for one month.
Report back on their progress at the next class.

Conclusion

Planning for the future is not just about having money, it’s about making smart choices today to have more in the future. Whether you’re saving for school fees, a new phone, or even a future business, the key is to set goals, save regularly, and have patience.

By planning today, you are already building your tomorrow.

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