ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the ‘strange conjunction’ of neo/liberal ideas represented in the concepts of being financially responsible and financially included. It describes the aims and pedagogy of Apprentice’s group savings and lending mechanism, Kichumi, that is used to teach and practice financial education. The chapter shows that the double meanings of learning to be financially responsible, of being financially included, and of using financial resources for development. In low-income contexts, some form of financial education, usually financial literacy, is included as part of microfinance programs. A central component of the Apprentice’s entrepreneurship training program is Kichumi, which teaches young people about group-based savings and lending so they can acquire the financial resources and behaviors needed for their enterprises. Being financially responsible has a double meaning for the youths: economically responsible for their own livelihoods and fostering ‘responsible solidarity’ in the community.
