Make Cents, Make Sense

Empowering youth in alternative care to take charge of their financial future.

Our Story

Every year, thousands of young people in alternative care transition into adulthood without the financial knowledge they need to build independence.

Make Cents, Make Sense was founded to change that. What began as a student-led initiative has grown into a cross-continental program connecting youth from North Macedonia to Costa Rica, united by one belief, that financial literacy is not a luxury, but a life skill.

Through the support of SOS Children’s Villages, YouthCan!, and UWC Costa Rica, our team delivers youth-friendly workshops that blend financial education, teamwork, and confidence-building.

We focus on learning that feels real: saving for rent, budgeting with emotion and logic, understanding contracts, and learning to say “no” when a deal seems too good to be true.

Our Journey.

Since 2023, Make Cents, Make Sense has grown from a local pilot into an international youth-led effort supported by $5,000 USD in global grants from GoMakeADifference and the IB Global Youth Action Fund.

Delivered 35 financial literacy workshops and organized a 2-day SOS Villages Social Entrepreneurship Bootcamp featuring training, pitching competitions, and problem-solving labs to strengthen entrepreneurial and leadership skills among foster youth.

150+ participants including SOS youth, 5+ SOS Villages UWC volunteers, and local educators.

40+ high school and UWC student volunteers, as well as psychologists, university professors, and educators, trained and involved in facilitation, logistics, and follow-up engagement.

Six tablets and customized learning kits provided to enable continued digital learning, including one awarded to an SOS youth for outstanding academic achievement. These resources also supported testing of our newest social enterprise model, integrating gamified financial literacy tools for remote learning.

2 countries connected through shared stories, feedback, and collaborative reflection, bridging Europe and Latin America through a cross-continental initiative that fosters dialogue and mutual understanding.

Workshop modules covering budgeting, emotional spending, contracts, loans, insurance, and long-term financial planning.

Partnerships built with SOS Children’s Villages, UWC Costa Rica, YouthCan!, and LEAD NGO. Currently developing an online version of the program for the YouthLinks! platform (10,000+ users), expanding accessibility and impact.

I never really thought about managing money or planning my future before. The workshop made me see that independence isn’t something you wait for, it’s something you learn and build, especially when someone believes in you.

Participant, SOS Children’s Village Santa Ana

Our Team

We are a team of young people, mentors, and educators who believe in paying opportunity forward.

Our volunteers, students from UWC Costa Rica and alumni from the SOS network help design games, simulations, and activities that make complex ideas accessible.

Founded by Leontina Trajkoska of SOS Children’s Villages North Macedonia and UWC Costa Rica, the project bridges the gap between financial education and social empowerment.

This initiative belongs to all of us, the facilitators, participants, and supporters who keep the learning alive long after each session ends.

Learning in Action

A glimpse into our workshops, teamwork, and moments of learning that inspire change.

What’s Next

In 2025, Make Cents, Make Sense will launch a new Social Entrepreneurship Module, helping foster youth turn ideas into small business ventures that strengthen their communities.

We’re also developing an online toolkit and mentorship system through the YouthCan! global platform, making our content accessible in more countries and languages.

Our goal: to create a model that any SOS village or youth program can adapt, because financial independence shouldn’t depend on geography.

Join Us

Whether you’re a mentor, educator, or organization, there’s space for you in this movement.

Partner with us, volunteer your expertise, or help us bring our next phase to life.

Email

info@makecentsmakesense.org