The power of having a plan

Last year we started teaching about values and money at Ikemeleng youth centre in Alex. Using the Stories that Talk Money resource, we spoke about different ways of being thrifty and reading different stories from the book. This became the highlight for most kids; they enjoyed listening and analysing the stories.

Little did we know that Bohlale would actually put that whole lesson into practice! Bohlale walked into the office one morning and said, “I want to go to camp and my parents want me to go but they can’t afford it.” I then asked how she’d like us to assist her.

She said, “Please lend me R100 – I will return it to you.” With disbelief I asked, “What do you want to do with the money?” She said she would open a business. I chuckled and agreed.

A few days later she came to the centre with a bucket full of ice pops and started selling them as people walked by. She did so well for her camp fee that all she needed to pay after selling was R100 of R500 camp fee!

This proves that whatever you put your mind to will come to pass. When you have a plan and allow yourself to follow the plan it is indeed possible to achieve whatever you set your mind to. As the book of Proverbs 21:5 states: the plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. Planning goes hand in hand with hard work.

Story submitted by Ikemeleng Centre Leader, Lerato Jaxa