Investment guru helps G’town kids

PUPILS at St Andrew’s College in Grahamstown recently learned the importance of financial planning and investments from the author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki.

In 1997 Kiyosaki, together with Sharon Lechter, penned the book which advises readers on the importance of financial independence and building wealth through investing, real estate investing, starting and owning businesses, as well as increasing one’s financial intelligence to improve one’s business and financial aptitude.

Kiyosaki delivered a presentation to the Grade 10 and Grade 12 business studies pupils and was the speaker at the DB Wylde Leadership Indaba, held at The Highlander. In front of a capacity audience, Kiyosaki participated in a live interview session which was led by Grade 11 pupils from St Andrew’s College and Diocesan School for Girls, Rorke Wilson and Gemma MacRobert.

Pupils and other invited delegates also participated in a series of workshops based on Kiyosaki’s “cash flow” game, aimed at increasing awareness of financial education and encouraging children to aim for a future of financial freedom.

Kiyosaki said the pupils were extremely openminded and that he was delighted to have been invited to the school – a first in South Africa.

“The game is not easy and they would need to play the game about five times,” he said.

Local professionals who attended the workshops said the pupils were very fortunate to have participated. Property investor Mark Ford said: “We were only able to read the book at the age of 35 and implement the theories.

“At the age of 16, these pupils have heard it from the guy who wrote the book.”

Professor Kevin Rafferty of the Rhodes University Business School said: “It was an interesting workshop that certainly challenged our standard way of looking at the concept of money. It was fun working with the Grade 11 business studies group.

“They showed interest and participated energetically in the workshop. On the whole a fantastic and challenging experience.”