CYEC financial literacy Kenya street youth Aflatoun
Abstract:
Street children represent one of the most vulnerable populations in Kenya. While street children differ in the amount of time they spend on the street, their connection to different support networks, and the individual factors that push or pull them to the street, poverty remains the main factor that contributes to the existence of this phenomenon. The Children and Youth Empowerment Center in Nyeri, Kenya is a residential facility that aims to help rehabilitate street children and other at risk youth by providing housing, education, vocational training, and other services. The CYEC has recently implemented a financial literacy program called Aflatoun to children aged 7-13. A pre-and post-implementation survey was given to all participants to evaluate the program. Significant changes were found in the whether or not students owned a textbook, and whether or not they owned at least two sets of clothes or at least some money. There were also significant changes in if they thought they had many friends at the CYEC, if they thought people listened to their opinion, if they feel happy during the day, if they feel bored during the day, and if the save anything. However, it is impossible to determine which changes are attributable to the program, and which are attributable to other factors such as the passing of time, or the start of a new academic year. In general, while huge gains in savings actions and self-efficacy have not been made as a result of the program, positive changes in attitudes and behaviors have occurred. Because of this, the program can be considered successful, although areas for improvement and adaptation to the unique context of the CYEC remain.
