What are children around the world learning about looking after finances and other resources? What should be in a financial and social education curriculum? How can teachers involve parents in discussions on these topics?
In this episode, Nina talks to two experts from Aflatoun, an international organisation based in the Netherlands that brings financial and social education to children worldwide. Cristina Peña, Programme Manager for the Americas, believes that “now more than ever, we need to really understand how to manage our resources”. Cristina says that children aren’t necessarily taught these skills or given opportunities to practise them.
Curriculum Specialist Chandni Mehta tells Nina about the education Aflatoun offers. It’s not just about saving money – it’s also about saving food, resources, and the environment. “We are trying to help children and youth understand the broader societal impacts of the financial decision”, Chandni says.
Nina also meets two teachers implementing Aflatoun’s programs. Aura Juarez in El Salvador runs workshops for students to discuss finances with their parents. “For most of them, it was the first time that they actually discussed home financing”, Aura says. For some kids, it changed how they saw money.
Nina also speaks to Induni Dandeniya in Sri Lanka. Induni shares the five core elements of the Aflatoun club she runs: personal understanding, saving, budgeting, social and financial enterprise, and children’s rights. Induni says the club is very popular in the school. “Most of these activities are done as games”, she says, “so they enjoy it and they love this”.
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Guests and resources
Cristina Peña
LinkedIn
Chandni Mehta
LinkedIn
Aura Juarez
Programa Oportunidades- FGK (Facebook)
Induni Dandeniya
Aflatoun profile