UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group has partnered with Slum2School Africa to equip underserved children with financial literacy skills through a hands-on workshop aimed at building sound money management habits from an early age.

The initiative featured the introduction of the UBA Money Explorers Book, an interactive learning resource designed to teach children the basics of financial literacy through stories, practical money ledgers, games and activities.

Pupils were also introduced to the UBA Red Vault, a savings product developed to encourage healthy saving habits from childhood.

Building lifelong financial habits

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, said exposing children to financial education early helps them develop confidence, responsibility and economic independence.

“Every child deserves the tools to dream bigger and plan better, regardless of where they come from,” Ms Atta said.

“When we teach a child to understand money, we are giving them confidence, choice and a clearer sense of what is possible. Our partnership with Slum2School Africa enables us to reach children who stand to benefit the most, and seeing their enthusiasm as they learn reminds us why this work is so important.”

Also speaking, UBA’s Segment Executive, Children and Youth Banking, Ozioma Obi, said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to raising a financially confident generation.

“We are creating products and experiences that make banking simple, relatable and enjoyable for children from their very first lesson,” Ms Obi said.

“The Money Explorers Book and the UBA Red Vault are designed to make saving exciting rather than a task. When children begin this journey early, they develop habits that will serve them throughout their lives. That is how we nurture informed, empowered and financially responsible future generations.”

Partnership for inclusion

The workshop was facilitated by the Slum2School Africa team, led by its Senior Programmes Manager, Adekunle Idowu, and Education and Innovation Manager, Oluyemi Alugo, whose contributions helped create an engaging learning experience for the children.

Mr Idowu described financial literacy as a critical life skill that should be accessible to every child, irrespective of their background.

“Financial literacy is a life skill that every child deserves, regardless of their background. Through this partnership with UBA Foundation, we are helping children develop the confidence, knowledge and discipline to make informed financial decisions from an early age,” he said.

“When we empower children with these skills today, we are investing in a more financially responsible and economically resilient future.”

The initiative forms part of UBA Foundation’s wider financial inclusion and social impact agenda, which promotes education, youth empowerment and community development through innovative learning programmes and grassroots outreach across the bank’s 20 African countries of operation.

The foundation said it remains committed to improving lives across Africa through strategic investments in education, environmental sustainability, economic empowerment and special intervention projects.