The Domino Foundation’s long-term commitment is to bring “relief, justice and empowerment” to its beneficiaries. Closer to home, the bewildering world of basic financial management has left some of the NPO’s own team members feeling somewhat “unfit” and financially disempowered to run the distance.
Dr Ann Petty, Domino’s Wellness Champion, commented that “financial health is a key ingredient in personal wellness in anyone’s life.” Statistics have shown that up to 40% of South African adults are financially illiterate and that is why she and fellow volunteer Romie Govender have been taking interested Domino staff on journeys of discovery and discernment of things money-related.
In partnership with the Citadel Wealth Management Modules, Ann facilitated the 10-week ‘Investing for Young Adults’ online course which helped the Life Skills programme’s Youth Team navigate how to start becoming more financially savvy and secure. Finesse Financial Solutions’ Romie who ran a separate course for other members of the Domino team, added that personal money management and budgeting are two of the vital basic skills people have to learn balancing their needs and wishful wants. Both ladies agreed that too many people do not understand their consumer rights and that banking products and services are a world of mystery.
Romie underlined their joint vision in helping those attending the courses was to break the financial bondage and debt in which people often find themselves. “We are present and willing to help our team members who help so many others through Domino’s community development programmes, to better manage their own personal resources, achieve financial freedom and live with greater peace of mental wellbeing.”
