NATCCO’s Aflatoun Program in the Philippines is a pioneering program aimed at integrating financial education into the lives of Filipino children.
Launched in 2007, the program began with 18 schools and has since expanded to over 1,400 schools nationwide.
Since then, the program has made significant contributions, such as fostering financial literacy, encouraging savings, and empowering youth through social and entrepreneurial education.
Supported by partnerships with local cooperatives and the Department of Education, the Aflatoun Program is notable for its extensive reach and positive impact on communities across the Philippines.
The program’s success underscores the importance of financial education in breaking the cycle of poverty and building a brighter future for the country’s youth.
Program Overview
In 2007, the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) introduced the Aflatoun program in the Philippines.
Initially welcomed by only 18 schools, the program aimed to integrate financial education into the curriculum and introduce the concept of child-friendly savings.
Today, the Aflatoun program is implemented in over 1,400 schools with the active participation of 7,200 teachers nationwide.
This remarkable expansion highlights the program’s success in teaching children the importance of saving and financial management.
Growing Impact and Reach
The efforts of the teachers and the program’s implementation have significantly impacted the financial behaviors of children.
To date, the small yet consistent savings of Aflatoun participants have reached an impressive P153 million.
This achievement demonstrates that with the right education and access, even children from impoverished backgrounds can learn to save and break the cycle of poverty.
Aflatoun Financial Education Leaders’ Congress
On October 11 and 12, a significant event took place at the Microtel Hotel at the UP Technohub in Quezon City.
The Aflatoun Financial Education Leaders’ Congress gathered 90 thought leaders from government, cooperatives, schools, NGOs, and civil society organizations.
Key updates on the integration of financial education into the K-12 curriculum were presented by Jocelyn Andaya, Director IV of the Bureau of Curriculum Development, and Aileen Supnad, Supervising Education Program Specialist.
Global and Local Perspectives
The congress also featured insights from international leaders.
Brian Lariche from the Aflatoun Board for Asia discussed the global reach and strategic direction of the program.
Alan Wang, Aflatoun Board member and executive director of Be Better Education in China, shared the positive impact of the program on young children’s entrepreneurial skills and self-confidence.
Strategic Partnerships
NATCCO acknowledges the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing the Aflatoun program.
The European Union in the Philippines is a notable supporter, backing youth inclusion through its Framework Partnership Agreement with the International Cooperative Alliance.
Ambassador Franz Jessen highlighted the EU’s commitment to providing youth with opportunities, strengthening their access to resources, and enhancing their involvement in value chains.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
The Aflatoun program remains committed to providing children and young people with tools for building a better future.
Through social and economic empowerment, participants are encouraged to discover their talents, stand up for their rights, and positively change their lives.
Educational Integration and Teacher Involvement
The Aflatoun program’s success is largely due to its integration into the school curriculum and the dedication of teacher-advocates.
Implemented in 809 schools with 5,500 teacher-advocates, the program has helped over 250,000 children maintain savings accounts, collectively amounting to P107 million.
Holistic Development
The program emphasizes the holistic development of children.
It covers financial literacy, rights and responsibilities, and entrepreneurship, helping children manage their own savings accounts and participate in entrepreneurial projects.
Community Engagement and Youth Empowerment
Aflatoun has fostered a sense of community and responsibility among participants, creating a generation of young changemakers.
Programs like the Children International partnership in Bicol demonstrate the program’s success in helping children break free from poverty and become productive members of society.
How to Get Involved with the Aflatoun Program in the Philippines
School Enrollment
The Aflatoun Program is integrated into the school curriculum in many schools across the Philippines.
If you are a student or have children in school, check if the school is part of the Aflatoun network.
The program is incorporated into subjects like Values Education and Technology and Livelihood Education.
This integration helps students learn financial literacy and responsibility from a young age.
Community Centers and Cooperatives
The program is also implemented through community centers and local cooperatives.
You can participate by engaging with these centers, which often run Aflatoun sessions and activities.
For example, Children International in Bicol offers community-based sessions that include play-based learning and financial enterprise training.
These sessions are designed to make learning fun and practical, helping children understand the importance of saving and entrepreneurship.
Contact NATCCO
The National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) is a key partner in implementing the Aflatoun Program in the Philippines.
You can reach out to NATCCO directly to get information on how to participate or to find out which local cooperatives and schools are part of the program.
NATCCO collaborates with over 900 partner cooperatives nationwide, making it easier for you to get involved.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you are interested in volunteering, you can join as a facilitator or trainer.
Organizations like Children International offer training workshops for youth volunteers who want to become certified Aflatoun facilitators.
Volunteering is a great way to contribute to the community and help children gain valuable skills.
Direct Contact and Information
For detailed information and specific queries, visit the Aflatoun International website or the NATCCO website.
These platforms provide comprehensive details about the program and how to get involved.
By following these steps, you can become an active participant in the Aflatoun Program, helping to foster social and financial education among children and youth in the Philippines.
Recent Updates
Aflatoun’s Asia Regional Meeting Highlights Youth Empowerment
The Aflatoun’s Asia Regional Meeting in Cebu brought together over 100 participants to advance YouthEmpowerment through Social & Financial Education. The event featured high-level discussions, interactive workshops, and a field visit, emphasizing the importance of equipping youth for a sustainable future.
The Aflatoun Regional Meeting in Cebu, Philippines, gathered stakeholders from over 15 Asian countries to share best practices and innovative solutions for advancing social and financial education for children and youth. Discussions focused on integrating essential skills into national curricula, active learning methods, and the link between education and sustainable development, including climate resilience.
During the Asia Regional Meeting in Cebu, participants enjoyed a field visit to Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative, experiencing dance performances, learning about the cooperative’s history, and witnessing the impact of the Aflatoun program. The visit featured classroom demos, inspiring testimonials, and tours of various business units, showcasing the cooperative’s diverse operations.
Aflatoun’s Regional Meeting in Cebu brought together over 100 participants from Asia to focus on Social and Financial Education. Partners expressed strong commitment to investing in youth and integrating education into national systems, emphasizing the importance of building a sustainable future.
Conclusion
NATCCO’s Aflatoun Program is a shining example of how social and financial education can be effectively integrated into the lives of young people.
Through strategic partnerships, a well-structured curriculum, and the dedication of educators, the program equips children with essential life skills and financial knowledge.
The continued growth and impact of the Aflatoun program promise a brighter future for Filipino youth, empowering them to become financially savvy and socially responsible individuals.
Contact Information
Address: 227 J.P. Rizal, Project 4, Lungsod Quezon, 1109 Kalakhang Maynila
Telephone number: 0289137011
Website: http://www.natcco.coop/