Learning outcomes

• Explain what wealth, money and poverty mean in a Christian way.
• Describe Biblical teaching about riches and caring for the poor.
• Relate Christian values to how Kenyans use money (e.g., chamas, harambee, M-Pesa).
• Suggest practical Christian actions to reduce poverty and manage money well.

Key words

Wealth — abundance of useful resources or possessions (land, money, skills).
Money — cash or mobile money (e.g., M-Pesa) used to buy goods and services.
Poverty — lack of basic needs like food, shelter, education or health.
Stewardship — caring for God's gifts responsibly.
Generosity / Charity — giving to help others.
Greed — wanting more than you need, often harming others.

What the Bible teaches (short & simple)

• Jesus warned against loving money more than God (Matthew 6:19–21; Luke 12:15).
• We are called to be good stewards — use resources to help others and honour God (Parable of the talents, Matthew 25:14–30).
• Christians should care for the poor and show practical love (Luke 10:25–37 — Good Samaritan; James 2:14–17).
• Stories to remember: the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17–27) and Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19–31)
• Early Christians shared what they had to help those in need (Acts 2:44–45).

Bible box (memory verse)

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..." — James 1:27

Why money matters in Kenya (simple local links)

• Most families use cash and mobile money (M-Pesa) for daily needs and school fees.
• Community saving groups (chamas) and harambee traditions help families save, start businesses, and pay for emergencies.
• Poverty affects many young people: poor nutrition, school dropouts, and lack of healthcare.
• Churches and NGOs often help during drought, floods or when families have no money.

Causes and effects of poverty

Causes: unemployment, lack of education, sickness, drought, corruption, unequal land ownership.

Effects: hunger, school dropouts, child labour, crime, poor health.

Practical tips for students (age 14)

• Start a small savings plan: use a piggy bank or a personal M-Pesa account with parental permission.
• Join a school chama or group that encourages saving and small-scale projects.
• Use pocket money wisely: prioritise school needs, save part, spend a small part on treats.
• Volunteer at church or community feeding programs — giving time also helps the poor.
• Learn simple entrepreneurship skills: grow vegetables at home, sell crafts or do small services to help family income.

How the church and community can help

• Organise food drives and school-fee assistance for vulnerable families.
• Set up skill training for youth (tailoring, farming, ICT) so they can earn money.
• Support fair policies: churches can teach about justice and encourage leaders to act against corruption.
• Promote chamas and savings groups with clear rules so everyone benefits.

Class activities & ideas

1. Group discussion: "How would Jesus handle money?" (10 minutes)
2. Role play: Re-enact the Good Samaritan but include modern Kenyan details (transport fare, mobile money) (15–20 minutes).
3. Project: Start a mock chama in class. Track savings, decide on one charity to help at the end of term.
4. Short survey: Ask family members how they save and how church helps the poor. Present results.

Short quiz (for revision)

1. Which Bible story teaches about helping strangers? (a) The Rich Young Ruler (b) The Good Samaritan (c) Moses
2. True or False: Christians must always keep all their money for themselves.
3. Name one practical way a student can help reduce poverty in their community.

Summary — Remember

Wealth and money are gifts that can help people when used well. Poverty is a serious problem but Christians are called to be stewards: manage money wisely, be generous, help the poor and fight for justice. In Kenya we can use local tools like chamas and M-Pesa, plus the church’s help, to support families and build a fairer society.

Homework

Write a one-page paragraph: "How can my family and church work together to help a poor household in my neighbourhood?" Include at least two Bible verses to support your ideas.