Teach 15,000 rural kids to save and invest

The Aflatoun program received enormous support from the Department of Education-Division of Pangasinan 1, with strong approval of Superintendent Dr. Alma Ruby Torio. A two-day teachers training was conducted on August 1-2, 2014 at Mapandan Central School for the chosen schools in the area. The training was organized and hosted by NATCCO in partnership with Sta. Cruz Savings and Development Cooperative (SACDECO), NATCCO’s local Aflatoun partner cooperative in Pangasinan. Aside from the five pre-selected schools, three more schools attended the event along with the Department of Education District Supervisor, Dr. Juanita Soria.

Topics discussed during the training focused on the five core elements of the program with corresponding mock lessons to help familiarize the teachers with different strategies in incorporating Aflatoun values into academic lessons. The balanced approach to integration allows teachers to creatively introduce the concept of social and financial literacy to the students. Teachers were given Aflatoun modules that are particularly designed for different grade levels. These modules are intended to guide them in applying Aflatoun elements to activities inside and outside the classroom. Teachers who attended the training were expressive of their eagerness to start with the implementation as evident in their planning session. Most opted to launch the program immediately and requested SACDECO and NATCCO to also conduct orientations with the students. The training ended with high hopes and concrete plans for the program’s implementation. Further steps involve the formal launching of the Aflatoun Program in the chosen schools; preparations are being undertaken for the upcoming launch.

Novaliches Development Cooperative

The Aflatoun network welcomes Novaliches Development Cooperative (NOVADECI) and its first batch of Aflatoun Teachers’ Training with more or less thirty participants composed of teachers and principals from different schools in the area. The two-day training held on August 22-23, 2014 at the NOVADECI training hall served as an orientation to help the teachers understand the Aflatoun concept, its core elements, and the processes of implementation and collection to be adapted in their respective schools. Most of the participants were also interested to apply for membership especially when they heard about the wonderful products and services being offered by NOVADECI. The participants generously thanked the organizers of the event, pointing at how relatable and practical the discussions were. Ms. Lilibeth Liguden, NOVADECI General Manager, expressed her gratitude for the teachers and her hopes for the Program. She encouraged everyone to patronize the Program in achieving the goal of empowering their children to become socially and financially responsible citizens. By equipping the children with the skills and knowledge they need, they are put in a better position to lead fuller lives and be agents of change for a more equitable world.

Sacred Heart Savings Cooperative

In partnership with DepEd division of Candon City and Ilocos Sur, teachers from Galimuyod Central School, Salcedo National High School, Candon South Central School, Candon National High School, Tagudin National High School, and Quinarayan Elementary School were invited to participate in the Aflatoun Teachers’ Training organized by Sacred Heart Savings Cooperative (SHSC). The training was held at the SHSC main office on August 29-30, 2014 with more than 40 teachers and principals participating in the sessions. Managers of respective SHSC branches also attended the training to help coordinate the details of deposit and withdrawal. Upon discussing the collection process, the represented schools suggested different strategies based on their schedules and accessibility to the branches. Teachers were thankful for the opportunity to attend the kind of training the Aflatoun Program offers. They commended the speakers and the organizers for sharing the advocacy of social and financial education to children in Candon and in Ilocos Sur and suggested SHSC to conduct membership orientations for those interested to join the Cooperative.