I live with my mom in a small township called Kekana near Hammanskraal. My mom works long hours as a domestic worker and sometimes we don’t have enough money for everything we need. I used to spend the little pocket money I got on snacks and games without thinking.

When we started to talk about money, I learned about saving, planning and setting goals. Our coach made us write down our dreams and what we need to do to achieve them. I wrote: “Start a small business one day.”

We also learned how to say no to wasteful spending and focus on what’s important. I began helping my mom with our small garden and saving a few rand each week. We even sell vegetables to neighbours now.

The biggest change for me is that I understand responsibility for my time, money and future. I want to study business one day, and I know that the choices I make now matter.