Kapchorwa SACCO and school partner to boost students’ financial literacy
KAPCHORWA, April 11, 2026 — Wagagai Coffee Farmers’ SACCO has partnered with Hopeland High School in a bid to equip students with essential financial knowledge and skills for a sustainable future.
The initiative, which brings together the SACCO’s financial expertise and the school’s academic environment, aims to nurture a financially literate generation capable of making informed economic decisions.
The partnership was officially unveiled during an engagement at Hopeland High School attended by administrators, SACCO officials and students. Speakers at the event highlighted the growing importance of financial literacy among young people, particularly at a time when economic independence and entrepreneurship are increasingly vital life skills.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the SACCO, Shaid Mwanga, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to extending financial education beyond its traditional membership to include learners in schools. He noted that early exposure to financial management would help students develop a savings culture, understand investment opportunities and avoid common financial pitfalls.
Mwanga said the initiative forms part of the SACCO’s broader mission to promote financial inclusion and economic empowerment within the community.
“We believe financial literacy is a life skill that should be introduced at an early stage. By partnering with Hopeland High School, we are giving students the opportunity to learn how to save, budget and invest wisely. This knowledge will not only benefit them individually but also contribute to the economic growth of our communities,” he said.
The SACCO manager, Arafat Malewa Arafat, outlined the practical aspects of the programme, including tailored financial education sessions, student savings schemes and mentorship opportunities linking learners with financial professionals.
He said students would be guided on how SACCOs operate, the importance of cooperative societies, and how they can leverage such institutions for personal and collective development. He added that the SACCO plans to introduce student-friendly savings accounts to encourage consistent saving habits.
At the school, headteacher Collins Brasiyo welcomed the partnership, describing it as timely and transformative. He noted that while academic excellence remains a priority, equipping students with practical life skills such as financial management is equally important.
Brasiyo expressed optimism that the collaboration would help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, noting that many students complete their education without adequate financial knowledge.
“This partnership is a great opportunity for our students to gain hands-on knowledge about financial management. We are committed to supporting this initiative and ensuring that our learners fully benefit from the expertise brought by Wagagai Coffee Farmers’ SACCO,” he said.
Director of Studies Eric Musani also lauded the initiative, highlighting its potential to transform attitudes towards money and entrepreneurship. He urged students to take the lessons seriously and apply them in their daily lives.
During the session, students were introduced to key financial concepts, including budgeting, saving, investment and responsible borrowing. Interactive discussions and question-and-answer sessions allowed learners to engage directly with SACCO officials.
The SACCO also distributed copies of theCooperator magazine to students and staff to deepen their understanding of cooperative movements, financial management and sector success stories.
Students expressed enthusiasm about the programme, saying it had opened their eyes to the importance of managing money wisely. Many pledged to adopt a savings culture and share the knowledge with peers and families.
The partnership also aims to establish school-based financial clubs where students can practise what they learn through simulated activities, fostering peer-to-peer mentorship and continuous learning.
Community members who attended the event commended Wagagai Coffee Farmers SACCO for its proactive role in youth empowerment and urged other organisations to replicate similar initiatives.
Both the SACCO and the school have pledged to monitor the programme’s progress and expand its reach to more schools in the region.
The collaboration marks a significant step towards promoting financial literacy among students, equipping them with the tools needed to make informed financial decisions and contribute meaningfully to society.
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