Absa takes financial literacy drive to Mbarara schools

Absa Bank Uganda has extended its financial literacy outreach to students in Mbarara, reaching 345 learners at Revival Girls Secondary School through a peer-learning initiative conducted in partnership with Reach A Hand Uganda.

The engagement is part of an ongoing collaboration between the bank and the youth-focused organisation aimed at equipping young people with practical financial and life skills using a peer education model.

The session combined mentorship with entertainment to help students better understand key financial concepts such as saving, budgeting and managing personal finances.

Speaking at the event, Olivia Ainembabazi from Absa’s Mbarara branch said the bank is committed to empowering young people with skills that prepare them for real-world financial decisions.

“As Absa, we are giving back by supporting young businesswomen through our programmes. Starting young to understand concepts like saving helps learners prepare for emergencies and avoid unnecessary debt,” she said.

The initiative also introduced students to programmes such as Absa Ready to Work and the Leesu initiative, which targets young women in business with financial training and entrepreneurial support.

Mandela Talona, programmes officer at Reach A Hand Uganda, said the peer-led model improves engagement and learning outcomes among students.

“Young people absorb information better from their peers. By integrating financial literacy with role models and entertainment, we are able to keep them engaged while empowering them to make informed life choices,” he said.

School administrators welcomed the initiative, noting its alignment with the competency-based curriculum and its role in shaping students’ practical skills.

Deputy headteacher John Kiwanuka said such programmes inspire confidence and equip learners with entrepreneurial abilities needed beyond the classroom.

“Beyond the knowledge, the interactions leave students energised and motivated to apply what they have learned,” he said.

Since March 2026, the partnership has reached more than 10,000 students across 12 schools in Mbarara and surrounding areas, with plans underway to expand to at least 20 more schools by the end of the year.

Absa said the initiative is part of its broader community engagement strategy aimed at building financially resilient communities through youth empowerment.

The post Absa takes financial literacy drive to Mbarara schools appeared first on Daily Star.