Binga, Zimbabwe
Quegas Mutale, a young community leader from Zimbabwe and a Fellow of the KAFI Foundation Financial Literacy Leadership Fellowship Cohort 8 Group 4, is making a powerful impact on young people in underserved communities by delivering practical financial literacy education focused on saving, goal setting, and responsible money management.
On 25 February 2026, Quegas led an interactive financial literacy session for Form 4 learners at Easy Learning Centre College in Binga, Zimbabwe. The session focused on the importance of saving for young people, particularly secondary school students who are beginning to develop financial habits that will shape their future.
The engagement brought financial education directly into the classroom, providing learners with practical tools to understand money, build positive saving habits, and begin thinking intentionally about their financial futures.
Quegas Mutale’s Motivation to Work With Young People
Quegas Mutale believes that financial habits are formed early in life and that young people who are equipped with basic financial knowledge are more likely to make informed decisions as they grow into adulthood. In many rural and underserved communities in Zimbabwe, young people have limited access to structured financial literacy education. Conversations about money are often informal and focused on survival rather than planning, saving, or investing.
Quegas recognized that secondary school learners are at a critical stage where they are developing independence, aspirations, and decision making skills. Without guidance, many young people grow up without understanding how to manage money, save consistently, or plan for emergencies.
This realization inspired Quegas to bring financial literacy into a school setting where young people could learn in a safe and supportive environment. His goal was not only to teach concepts but to shift mindsets. He wanted learners to see saving as a habit they could start now, not something to postpone until adulthood or employment.
Engaging Learners Through Participatory Learning
Quegas delivered the session at Easy Learning Centre College in Binga using participatory methodologies that encouraged open dialogue, shared experiences, and active involvement. Rather than relying on lectures alone, he created space for learners to speak about their personal experiences with money, the challenges they face, and their aspirations for the future.
The session engaged 22 learners, including 15 girls and 7 boys. This balanced participation created an inclusive learning environment where both male and female students felt comfortable contributing to the discussion.
By using interactive approaches such as group discussions, practical examples, and scenario based learning, Quegas helped learners connect financial concepts to their everyday lives. Students were encouraged to reflect on how they currently use money, what they spend on, and how they might change their habits to build a culture of saving.
The participatory nature of the session helped demystify financial topics that often feel abstract or intimidating to young people. Learners were not passive recipients of information. They were active contributors to the learning process, which increased engagement, understanding, and confidence.
Key Topics Covered During the Session
The core objective of the session was to discuss the importance of saving for young people, with a focus on secondary school learners. Quegas guided participants through several practical financial literacy topics, including
The importance of saving as a habit that begins in youth
How to set clear and realistic financial goals
Different forms of saving and where young people can save
The role of savings in preparing for emergencies
The 50 30 20 rule of financial management
Why saving alone is not enough and the importance of investing
The advantages and disadvantages of different saving methods
Through relatable examples, Quegas explained how even small amounts saved regularly can grow into meaningful resources over time. He emphasized that saving is not about the size of the money but about consistency and discipline.
Learners were introduced to the idea of financial goals, both short term and long term. They discussed goals such as saving for school supplies, personal needs, examinations, further education, or small income generating activities. This helped them see money as a tool for achieving their dreams rather than just something to spend.
Quegas also explained the 50 30 20 rule in simple terms, helping learners understand how to divide money into needs, wants, and savings. This concept provided a practical framework that learners could adapt even with small allowances or occasional income.
Learner Feedback and Impact
Feedback from learners indicated that the session had a strong and positive impact on their understanding of money and saving. Participants shared that they gained new knowledge on
- How to set financial goals
- How and where to save money
- The importance of saving for emergencies
- How to apply the 50 30 20 rule to manage money
- Why investing is important in addition to saving
- The advantages and disadvantages of different forms of saving
Many learners expressed that they had never previously thought about saving intentionally or setting financial goals. For some, the idea of saving felt unrealistic because of limited resources. The session helped reframe saving as something that can start with small amounts and grow over time.
Learners appreciated learning about different forms of saving and the pros and cons of each. This empowered them to think critically about how they can protect and grow their money, even in challenging economic contexts.
The interactive nature of the session also encouraged learners to speak openly about their financial realities. This openness created a sense of shared experience and reduced feelings of isolation around money struggles.
Why This Matters for Young People in Binga
Binga is a community where many families face economic challenges and limited access to formal financial education. For young people growing up in such contexts, learning about saving, budgeting, and goal setting can be transformative. Financial literacy provides tools for resilience, self reliance, and long term planning.
By reaching learners at the secondary school level, Quegas Mutale is contributing to early intervention in financial education. These young people are at a stage where they are forming habits, values, and beliefs about money. Introducing positive financial habits at this point can influence their decisions for years to come.
This initiative also highlights the importance of bringing financial education to rural and underserved communities rather than limiting such programs to urban centers. Young people everywhere deserve access to the knowledge that can help them build more secure futures.
Quegas Mutale’s Growth as a Leader
For Quegas Mutale, this session was not only about teaching others. It was also a significant moment in his leadership journey. Facilitating the discussion strengthened his communication skills, particularly his ability to engage young people in meaningful conversations about sensitive topics like money.
Quegas gained deeper insight into the realities young people face and the importance of meeting learners at their level of understanding. The experience reinforced his belief that leadership is about service, listening, and creating safe spaces for learning and growth.
Working directly with young people in a classroom setting also strengthened Quegas’s confidence in delivering community based training. It affirmed his commitment to youth empowerment and his desire to continue contributing to community development initiatives that address real needs.
The Role of KAFI Foundation
Quegas Mutale carried out this initiative as part of his leadership journey within the KAFI Foundation Financial Literacy Leadership Fellowship Cohort 8 Group 4. The Fellowship equips young leaders with financial literacy knowledge, facilitation skills, and community engagement tools to design and implement real world impact projects in their communities.
Through the Fellowship, Quegas gained the knowledge and confidence to structure the session, design learning objectives, and deliver content in a way that was relevant and engaging for secondary school learners. The program encourages Fellows to identify gaps in their communities and respond with practical solutions that create measurable impact.
This project reflects the broader mission of KAFI Foundation to promote financial literacy as a pathway to empowerment, particularly among young people and underserved communities across Africa.
Looking Ahead Building a Culture of Saving Among Youth
Inspired by the positive response from learners, Quegas Mutale hopes to continue engaging young people on financial literacy topics in Binga and beyond. He envisions a future where financial education is integrated into school environments and community programs so that young people grow up with the skills needed to manage money wisely.
Quegas plans to build on this initiative by expanding sessions to more schools and incorporating additional topics such as budgeting, entrepreneurship, and basic investment principles. His long term goal is to contribute to building a culture of saving and financial responsibility among young people in his community.
A Call to Action
Quegas Mutale’s work is a reminder that youth led initiatives can drive meaningful change at the grassroots level. His story highlights the power of equipping young leaders with the tools to educate their peers and younger generations.
He calls on schools, community leaders, and development partners to prioritize financial literacy education for young people and to support programs that build financial confidence from an early age.
When young people understand how to save, set goals, and manage money, they are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges and build more stable futures for themselves and their families.
