Members of the Shadowes Cocoa Reviver a community-based organisation have successfully completed a three-day Financial Literacy Training (FLT), held in May at Kabaira in the Rasimen Ward, Gazelle District.

The training brought together representatives from 15 zones and focused on two core modules: budgeting and savings. It marked the final activity under Shadowes’ partnership with PACD Cocoa through its matching grant component, aimed at strengthening financial capacity within cocoa-farming communities.

The program was designed to equip participants with practical financial management skills, including budgeting, saving, and responsible decision-making—key elements for improving household livelihoods and fostering sustainable development.

The training was facilitated by Florence Donald of Cesvat Life Skills Services, a certified FLT trainer accredited by the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI). With over three years of experience delivering similar programs across Gazelle District, Florence guided participants through essential financial concepts.

She described the training as an “exciting three-day learning journey” covering earning, budgeting, saving, spending, and borrowing skills she emphasized as life-long tools.

“Financial literacy is a very important basic life skill. It helps participants understand how to manage their income through budgeting, borrowing, and investing,” Florence said.

“These are everyday practices, but many people do not realise the importance of improving them to achieve a balanced life.” Florence added that applying these skills at the household level can significantly improve living standards and help families achieve their financial goals.

At the end of the training, participants were awarded certificates, which serve as a key requirement for accessing small and medium enterprise (SME) loans from financial institutions. One participant, Susan Kola, expressed appreciation for bringing the training directly to the ward level.

“This training made me realise the importance of saving money. Before, I had money but didn’t know how to properly budget, spend, or invest,” she said. “It will help me as a mother to better manage the little income in my household.”

The training attracted local cocoa farmers and community members eager to improve their financial management skills and build economic resilience. Sessions also highlighted the importance of setting financial goals, adopting saving habits, distinguishing between needs and wants, and tracking income and expenses. Participants actively engaged in group discussions, practical activities, and presentations throughout the program.

Complementing the training, representatives from Kada Poroman Microfinance Limited attended the sessions to provide financial awareness and assist participants in opening bank accounts. The initiative underscores the growing importance of financial literacy in rural communities, particularly among smallholder farmers seeking to strengthen their economic stability and improve their livelihoods.