KAPCHORWA, September 10, 2026 — What started as a financial literacy lesson at Hopeland High School has grown into a practical savings initiative, with students forming the Hopeland Students Savings Association and opening a savings account with Wagagai Coffee Farmers’ SACCO.
The students say their decision to embrace saving was influenced not only by financial literacy sessions conducted through the school’s partnership with Wagagai Coffee Farmers’ SACCO, but also by reading stories and information published in the various editions of theCooperator, Uganda’s only publication dedicated to cooperative news.
A few months ago, Hopeland High School began receiving copies of the magazine as part of efforts to expose students to information about cooperatives, financial management, saving and economic opportunities.
For the students, reading the magazine published by The Cooperator Media Limited opened their minds to the importance of developing financial discipline at an early age.
After reading the magazine and participating in financial literacy sessions conducted by the SACCO, the students began discussing how they could put the knowledge into practice. Their discussions eventually led to the formation of the Hopeland Students Savings Association, through which they could save collectively and prepare themselves financially for the future.
The students have since taken another important step by opening a savings account for the association with Wagagai Coffee Farmers’ SACCO.
Esther Chebet Abaigail, a Senior Five student, said reading theCooperator and attending the financial literacy sessions changed her perception of saving.
“When we received theCooperator magazine, we started reading about cooperatives, saving and how people can prepare for their future. The financial literacy sessions also helped us understand that saving is important even when you are still a student,” Chebt said.
She said the information motivated students to think about how they could develop a saving culture while still at school.
“We discussed among ourselves and realised that we could start something as students. That is how we came up with the idea of forming the Hopeland Students Savings Association. Through the association, we have now opened an account with Wagagai Coffee Farmers’ SACCO,” she said.
Chebet said the students view the initiative as an investment in their future.
“We want to develop the habit of saving while we are still young so that when we leave school, we already know how to manage money and plan for the future,” she said.
Bernard Chemonges, a Senior Three student, said the magazine provided students with additional knowledge that complemented what they were learning from the SACCO.
“Reading copies of theCooperator magazine helped us understand more about cooperatives and the importance of saving. The financial literacy lessons then gave us an opportunity to ask questions and understand how we could apply what we were reading,” Bernard said.
He said the students did not want the lessons to remain theoretical.
“We wanted to put what we were learning into practice. Instead of just talking about saving, we formed our association and opened an account. Now we can start saving and encourage other students to do the same,” Chemonges said.
The initiative has been welcomed by the school administration.
Eric Musani, the School Director, said the partnership with Wagagai Coffee Farmers’ SACCO was intended to equip students with knowledge and skills that would help them beyond the classroom.
“Education is not only about academic performance. We also need to prepare our students for life. Financial literacy teaches them how to make responsible decisions, save and plan for their future,” Musani said.
He said the students’ response to the programme was encouraging.
“It is gratifying to see that our students read theCooperator magazine, participated in the financial literacy activities and then took the initiative to form an association. Opening a savings account shows that they are putting the knowledge into action,” he said.
The School Headteacher, Collins Brasiyo, said introducing financial literacy to students could help build responsible financial habits at an early age.
“The students have demonstrated that young people can understand and practise financial management when they are given the right information and guidance. Their association is a good example of turning knowledge into action,” Brasiyo said.
He added that the school would continue encouraging students to participate in initiatives that develop practical life skills.
The Wagagai Coffee Farmers’ SACCO Manager, who conducted the financial literacy sessions at the school, said the students’ initiative was one of the outcomes the SACCO hoped to achieve through its engagement with the school.
“Our intention was to help the students understand the importance of saving, budgeting and making responsible financial decisions. We wanted them to realise that financial literacy should start at an early age,” the manager said.
The manager said theCooperator provided another avenue through which students could access information about cooperatives and financial matters.
“The magazine gave the students an opportunity to read and learn more beyond the sessions we conducted. It is encouraging that after reading the magazine and receiving financial literacy education, they decided to form their own association and open a savings account,” the manager said.
According to the manager, developing a savings culture among young people can contribute to a generation that is more financially informed and capable of making better economic decisions.
For the students, their newly opened account is only the beginning.
Chebet said they want the association to grow and attract more students who are interested in saving.
“We want other students to understand that you do not need to wait until you are an adult or have a big salary to start saving. You can start with whatever you have and develop the habit,” she said.
Chemonges said the students also hope to continue learning about financial management.
“We want to keep learning and saving. The association can help us prepare for the future because we are already developing financial discipline while we are still students,” he said.
The experience at Hopeland High School demonstrates how access to information, when combined with practical financial education, can encourage young people to take action.
For the students, theCooperator is more than a reading material. Its stories and information help spark conversations about money and the future.
Now, with the Hopeland Students Savings Association established and its savings account opened with Wagagai Coffee Farmers’ SACCO, the students have begun what they hope will become a lasting culture of saving — one that prepares them for financial independence long after they leave school.
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
