More than enough officially hits the classrooms

In 2019 we took an unexpected step into the world of children’s book publishing — we launched our first book about saving and investing, More than enough. Five years on, CHRISTINA CASTLE tells the story and shares the next chapter of Foord’s unusual adventure into financial literacy.

What seemed like ‘a good idea at the time’ in 2019 has since become an industry first and highlighted the critical importance and desperate need for financial literacy — not just in South Africa, but around the world. Since then, we have published another book in Foord’s now established Teach Your Child to Invest financial literacy initiative — Little by little followed promptly in late 2020. And to date, more than 150 000 books in four languages have been distributed in South Africa and beyond.

This year sees us pulling up our socks and heading into community centres and classrooms across urban and rural Western Cape. With the educational expertise of public benefit Avo Vision, we have formally created a comprehensive, outcomes-based lesson plan based on the concept of our first book, More than enough. Essentially aimed at four- and five-year olds, this interactive learning experience will now provide thousands with access to a vital life skill.

Using song, role play and animated storytelling, programme trainers take our little learners on their first ‘formal’ journey into the world of saving and investing. All participating children are accompanied by parents or guardians, who also play an integral role in the lesson. The session is therefore not just for children, but for grownups of all ages too. Many South African adults have never been afforded this knowledge, and these lessons provide a natural environment and rare opportunity for families to learn together — and keep learning together.

As our series of children’s books grows, so too will the lessons we take into communities across the country — for all generations and for generations to come.

And on that note, keep an eye out for our third title in the series later this year.