Aflatoun is a project initiated by ChildFund with the objectives of supporting the country’s education sector by empowering students financially through social skills. Due to its impact in the beneficiary schools, the project has been incorporated by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MOBSE) and rolled out in some primary schools across the country. It is envisaged that through the project, children would be able to learn social skills with a view to supporting their education in buying stationery, uniforms, educational learning materials, school lunch, among others.
This year’s celebration was organised by Ding Ding Federation in Bwiam on the theme; ‘Protect your money, Secure your future’
Addressing the gathering, Nfamara Dabo, ChildFund Programme and Sponsorship Director, underscored the importance of the day, reminding that aflatoun day is celebrated all over the world.
The initiative, he said, is aimed at supporting students, who encounter financial difficulties in their desire to achieve quality education.
"Our objectives are to ensure that school children in the country receive high quality education. Therefore, in order to achieve these goals, we provide them with the necessary skills to create a sustainable future. ChildFund celebrates the power of this concept together with our partners, and the introduction of the Aflatoun program in the country through ChildFund has contributed positively to changing the behavior of children and young people.” he said.
Dabo disclosed that most education systems around the world do not consider financial literacy a priority, adding that in many cultures, it is expected that children learn about money from their parents, or other family members because most parents have never been educated about money themselves, and have in many instances financial problems.
Edi Bah, manager Foni Ding Ding Federation, which is an affiliate of ChildFund The Gambia, spoke at length on the significance of the Aflatoun project to beneficiaries.
The project, he added, seeks to prepare students in social and financial education, saying aflatoun is all about exploring in order to enable the beneficiary students discover new things or concepts that will change their ways of doing things.
“It also enhances behavioral change in managing meager resources either at the household level, community, or school,” he posited
Fatou A. Jassey, who is responsible for the project at ChildFund The Gambia, said Aflatoun has two key concepts, which is finance and social aspect focusing on teaching children social life and to help one another.
“Aflatoun is not only about money that you can save, but there are other natural resources that you can save to secure your future.”
