Last weekend, a quiet classroom filled with students—from curious Grade 6 pupils to thoughtful university scholars—slowly transformed into a place of discovery and awakening. They had gathered for a session with Erick Kiama, a personal finance expert from EK Beyond Personal Finance, expecting lessons about money.

What they found instead was a life-changing conversation about choices, mindset, and the courage to grow.

The Towel That Changed Everything

Early in the session, Erick shared a story from boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Many young people, he said, quit whenever life gets tough. They “throw in the towel,” giving up before they even start.
But Ali was different—he fought through exhaustion and fear, using every drop of strength he had.

Then Erick leaned forward and told the students something unexpected:

“Don’t throw the towel. Use it.”

Use it to wipe the sweat.
Use it to restart.
Use it to ask for help.

Just as a coach uses a towel to support a fighter, teachers, mentors, and friends exist to guide—not judge. And at that moment, the room fell silent as students realized they didn’t have to face their battles alone.

Bread or the Key? A Prisoner’s Choice

Later, Erick introduced a story that made everyone sit up straight.

A prisoner is handed two things:
a piece of bread because he’s hungry,
and a key that could set him free.

Most people choose the bread—because hunger is immediate and painful.
But the key… the key leads to freedom.

The students listened closely as Erick explained:

• The prison cage is made of limiting beliefs—about gender, background, or environment.
• The bread is the easy way out, the quick fix.
• The key is long-term growth, often uncomfortable but full of possibility.

And then he added something that made the learners smile:
“As you grow, life shows you that there isn’t just bread or a key… there are many more choices.”

A Journey Into the Self

Erick’s mission was clear:
To help young people understand who they are, and why they think the way they do.

They explored how mindset shapes decisions—whether one sees a glass as half empty or half full. It wasn’t about ignoring problems but about learning to face them with bravery and clarity.

The Wheel of Life

A colourful chart appeared next: The Wheel of Life.
Students were surprised to learn that success isn’t just academic performance. It’s a balance of:

• Family
• Relationships
• Spirituality
• Finance

No one scores perfectly in all areas, but understanding the wheel helps you find balance—and peace.

Money Lessons That Hit Home

For many learners, this was their first real introduction to personal finance.

They discovered that:

• Income is created any time you add value.
• Budgeting can be simple: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings.
• If your expenses outweigh your income, you’re sinking. If income outweighs expenses, you grow.

Then came one of Erick’s strongest messages:

“Invest in yourself first.”

Before thinking of business or quick money, build skills, knowledge, and confidence.
These are the seeds of future success.

The Three Pillars: Debt, Protection, Investment

Erick explained financial stability in three simple pillars:

• Debt Management – Don’t borrow what you don’t need.
• Protection – Have something to fall back on.
• Investment – Make your money grow.

Protection might not make you rich, but it keeps you safe when life becomes unpredictable.

A Lesson They Will Never Forget

As the session neared its end, Erick shared one final idea:

Self-control is the power to say STOP.
Discipline is the power to say START—and keep going.

The room grew quiet again, as students reflected on what that meant for their studies, friendships, and future dreams.

Seeds for Tomorrow

When the day ended, the learners walked out different from how they came in.

They carried new knowledge, yes—but more importantly, they carried hope.
Hope that their current circumstances don’t define their future.
Hope that with the right mindset, they can unlock endless possibilities.

Erick Kiama didn’t just teach them about money.
He taught them about life.

And in that classroom, seeds were planted—seeds that will grow into confident, empowered adults ready to choose keys over bread, discipline over doubt, and possibility over fear.