Teach 15,000 rural kids to save and invest

Following the series of teachers’ trainings in line with the mother tongue translation project of NATCCO and Citi Foundation under the auspices of Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, the Hiligaynon-translated books have now been introduced to the respective Aflatoun partner schools of Iloilo City Public School Teachers & Employees’ Multi-Purpose Cooperative. More than fifty (50) teachers from six (6) schools took part in the training held at the Conference Room of the Department of Education Division of Iloilo City on February 6-7, 2015.

The chosen Aflatoun partner schools were A. Mabini Elementary School, SPED – Integrated School for Exceptional Children, Rizal Elementary School, Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School, Iloilo Central Elementary School, and
A. Bonifacio Elementary School.

The sessions and workshops delivered by NATCCO Youth Program Officer Ms. Lasalette Gumban and National Aflatoun  Trainer Mr. Edward Amoguis once again enlightened the teachers about the essence of the program and its relevance to empowering the children, as well as the community, towards social and financial literacy. Some of the participants also expressed their interest to join the Cooperative and maximize their savings and investments. ICPSTEMPC puts great importance on Aside from being a big help to the integration of Aflatoun into different academic subjects, the project likewise greatly contributes to the Mother Tongue Based-Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) program of the Department of Education.

The relationship between the Cooperative and the community is as important as the relationship between the parents and the children. Now that the Aflatoun lessons come in a language closer to the Hiligaynon heart, the implementation takes a stronger and more impactful turn.

South Luzon - It might  have taken them over a year to get Aflatoun rolling in their pilot schools but San Isidro Development Cooperative (SIDECO) in Bicol has also been busy with other activities that would support the Program’s successful implementation. Mr. Mark Henry Ecom, branch manager of SIDECO Micoop Naga, assured the teachers and school administrators of the coop’s efforts to organize a laboratory cooperative for their youth. Naga Central School I & 2, Sta. Cruz Elementary School, and Tinago Elementary School piloted the launching which was held on January 30, 2015 at the Knights of Columbus building near the coop’s office. Students were attentive during the orientation and asked questions – all of which were diligently answered by Mr. Leonardo Banga, Area Manager of SIDECO Micoop Naga. Aflatoun Coordinator, Ms. Maria LorenzaAlcantara, attended to the overall preparations for the launch. Aside from the free school supplies, all those who opened their Aflatoun accounts received a P50.00 gift deposit from SIDECO Micoop Naga as initial motivation to start their financial journey with Aflatoun. Several Aflatoun dolls were also given away as game prizes and souvenirs. Everyone was grateful for the support  and promised to work hand-in-hand for the Program’s successful implementation in Naga City.

North Luzon - This January, Aflatoun has also been working its way up north. Months after their initial Aflatoun Teachers’ Training, the Government of Laoag Employees Development Cooperative (GLEDCO) has launched their Aflatoun Program in one pilot school on January 30, 2015. Yellow cut outs filled the air as students of Laoag Central Elementary School waved their Aflatoun drawings attached to sticks. Several students also entertained the participants with special performances throughout the launch.  Almost everyone opened saving accounts for themselves and shared the news with other schools. GLEDCO assures the organization of their laboratory cooperative for the Program’s sustainability.