Saving for Tomorrow

1Ishimwe's football

Ishimwe wants a real leather football that costs 2,000 Frw. He has only 200 Frw. "I'll never have enough!" he sighs. His grandfather gives him a small wooden box. "Put 200 francs in here every week, when you sell the eggs from your hen. Don't open it until it's full." Ishimwe does it. Ten weeks later, he runs onto the pitch with a brand-new football.

2What is saving?

Saving means keeping part of your money to use later, instead of spending it all now.

3Why save?

• For emergencies, such as when someone falls sick.
• For future needs, such as school fees next term.
• To buy something bigger, like a goat, a bicycle or a football.
• To avoid debt: borrowing money that must be paid back.
• To be able to help others when they are in need.

4Where can we keep savings?

5How to save

1. Decide what you are saving for.
2. Find out how much it costs.
3. Put a little money aside regularly, for example every week.
4. Spend less on wants, and earn a little more if you can.
5. When you have enough, buy it.

Check Ishimwe's plan: 200 Frw × 10 weeks = 2,000 Frw. Just enough for the football!

6What the holy books teach

The Bible and the Qur'an both teach people to be wise with what they have.

Try it yourself