The program addresses the reality that many girls, particularly those in low-income and rural communities, grow up without the tools or knowledge to understand financial systems, which limits their long-term economic independence. By equipping them early with age-appropriate financial education and practical saving skills, HerLittleKolo aims to instill confidence, foster a culture of planning, and build the first blocks of economic agency.

HerLittleKolo is a flagship program of SDGforHer Initiative designed to introduce girls aged 5–11 to foundational financial literacy and responsible saving habits. This program is rooted in the belief that empowerment begins with education.

Program Structure

• Financial literacy education through in-class age appropriate lessons that cover the basics of money, saving, spending and planning.
• Distribution of a physical piggy bank (Kolo), which is a tangible tool that entrenches a savings culture and goal setting.
• Digital Saving Integration, which involves transitioning from physical savings to a digital “virtual Kolo” where savings are tracked and grown with oversight from parents and guardians. (Coming Soon)
• Crowdfunding for Education is an innovative feature that will allow community members and donors to sponsor girls’ school fees directly into secure, school-managed accounts. This ensures financial transparency and eliminates misuse. (In Development)

Program Objectives

1. To foster early financial responsibility among girls in underserved communities.
2. To promote financial inclusion and literacy as a foundation for long-term empowerment.
3. To reduce school dropout rates by supporting girls through education-based savings and crowdfunding models.
4. To cultivate a generation of financially informed, confident young women capable of contributing to sustainable development.

Our Impact So Far

• Over 100 girls were engaged through our pilot programs across two local governments in Lagos, Nigeria.
• Successful collaborations with two primary schools in underserved communities to integrate financial literacy into non-formal education.
• 75% of participating girls demonstrated consistent saving habits within three months of program commencement.
• Positive feedback from parents, educators and stakeholders on behavioral and attitudinal shifts in participating girls.

Who Can Participate

• Girls aged 5–11 from low-income households or underserved communities.
• Primary schools, community organisations and local governments interested in integrating financial literacy.
• Parents and guardians that are committed to supporting their daughters’ financial growth.
• Corporate partners and donors who are interested in supporting inclusive education and gender equality.

Our Curriculum

At the heart of HerLittleKolo is an in-house developed curriculum designed to introduce our girls to basic financial concepts in a simple, relatable and engaging way. Our lessons are built around storytelling, interactive activities, colourful illustrations and games that help our girls learn and understand our teachings easily.

However, we recognize that financial education is dynamic and must continually evolve to meet global standards and local realities. For this reason, we are actively seeking collaboration with experts in early childhood education and financial literacy. With their input, we aim to strengthen and expand our curriculum to ensure it remains impactful, inclusive and sustainable.