Schools left us to figure it out, but how?
We memorized osmosis and photosynthesis,
We drew diagrams of the locust’s abdomen,
But tell me
How often did we learn about the stock market?
How often did they teach us interest rates, compound growth, credit scores,
Or how a loan can be a ladder or a chain?

They left us to figure it out.

This is not a shame for anyone,
This is not a finger pointed at the teacher
No, this is a wake-up call for a generation
that must unlearn and relearn,
must rebuild and redeem,
must take wisdom where it was denied.

Because history whispers:
Our forefathers sold our land for whiskey.
For glass beads.
For paper money that vanished in the wind.
And what is value if not wisdom?
Solomon knew knowledge was the key,
Wisdom is the foundation,
understanding the doorway.

So I stand here saying
Let us go back to the drawing board.

If saving is done right,
A stokvel can rescue her.
If debt is handled wisely,
It will not drown him.
If I buy undeveloped land today,
My children will harvest tomorrow.
Because land appreciates over time testifies.
The earth never loses value,
Only the eyes that see it do.

So bombard yourself with knowledge!
Bombard yourself with wisdom!
Bombard yourself with the truth that schools skipped,
truth that your parents whispered,
truth that the banks won’t tell you.

Learn the difference between an asset and a liability.
Say it with me: asset and liability.
For the two can either build you or break you.

Assets put bread on the table.
Liabilities eat the bread you’ve baked.
Assets work while you sleep.
Liabilities keep you awake at night.
Assets multiply.
Liabilities divide.
Assets give freedom.
Liabilities take it away.

So choose choose wisely.

Because this is bigger than bank accounts,
bigger than balance sheets,
bigger than numbers on paper.
This is about dignity.
This is about a continent
that must rise not just with slogans
but with savings, investments,
financial literacy is written in our bones.

So let us not sell our tomorrow
for today’s bottle of whiskey.
Let us not trade inheritance
for instant pleasure.
Let us not be fooled again
by shiny things that rust.

No let us go back to the drawing board.
Let us go back to wisdom.
Let us go back to building, to owning, to growing.

Because the future is only known
to the Author of Faith,
but the choices
The choices are ours.

Assets or liabilities.
Debt or dignity.
Chains or freedom.

The call is ringing will you answer?

Choose wisely.

Poem Description

The poem criticises the educational system for neglecting to educate financial literacy, which leaves students unprepared for real-world economic issues. It compares scientific lessons, such as osmosis and photosynthesis, with a lack of practical information regarding money, debt, and investments. Using historical imagery of forefathers surrendering land for whiskey, it advises against repeating previous mistakes by undervaluing resources. The poem emphasises the need of savings, responsible debt management, and property ownership as means for generational wealth. It encourages individuals and communities to reclaim financial wisdom, make informed decisions, and secure dignity and freedom by repeating and contrasting assets and liabilities.