From Learning About Money To Putting It Into Practice

Financial literacy is often measured by what people know. But its real value is reflected in what people do.

Understanding concepts such as budgeting, saving, and responsible spending is important. Yet financial education becomes most meaningful when young people have the opportunity to apply those lessons in real situations and see the results for themselves. Throughout May, JA South Africa continued to create those opportunities through the More than Money in a Day Program and the More than Money Saving Challenge, helping learners strengthen both their financial knowledge and their financial habits.

The More than Money in a Day Program reached more than 250 Grade 8 learners across Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape. Implemented at schools including Birch Acres Secondary, Tembisa High School, Tongaat Secondary, Arcadia Secondary, and John Ramsey High School, the program introduced learners to key financial literacy and entrepreneurship concepts. Through interactive learning experiences, learners explored topics such as earning, saving, budgeting, responsible spending, and making informed financial decisions. They were also encouraged to think entrepreneurially by identifying opportunities, solving problems creatively, and understanding how businesses contribute to communities.

While these lessons provide important foundations, the real challenge lies in putting knowledge into action.

That opportunity came through the More than Money Saving Challenge, which encouraged learners to apply what they had learned by setting savings goals and working toward them over time. Hosted at Irene Middle School on 20 May 2026 in partnership with SolarAfrica, the challenge celebrated learners who demonstrated commitment, discipline, and consistency in their saving habits.

Of the 158 learners who participated, more than 30 successfully achieved their savings targets and qualified for the challenge draw. Eight learners were selected to receive rewards matching the amount they had saved during the challenge. Importantly, the rewards will be deposited into savings accounts opened by parents or guardians, reinforcing the importance of formal saving practices and long term financial responsibility.

The challenge highlighted an important reality about financial education. Habits are not formed through information alone. They develop through repetition, practice, and the confidence that comes from seeing progress over time.mFor many learners, the experience demonstrated that saving is not necessarily about large amounts of money. It is about consistency, patience, and understanding how small decisions can contribute to larger goals.

These are lessons that extend far beyond the classroom. They influence how young people approach opportunities, manage resources, and make decisions throughout their lives. By combining financial education with practical application, the More than Money Program continues to create meaningful learning experiences that help young people build the confidence and skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex financial world.

JA South Africa extends its appreciation to SolarAfrica for partnering in the Saving Challenge and helping create an experience that encouraged learners to turn financial knowledge into positive action. Because financial literacy is not only about understanding money. It is about building habits that create opportunities for the future.