The Ministry of Education and Culture in Indonesia initiated a National Literacy Movement (GLN) where financial education is one of its main components. In 2017, Aflatoun International and the Ministry of Education became partners to implement and contextualise the Aflatot programme for Indonesian preschools. The Aflatot curriculum focuses on young children between 3 to 6 years old and provides an early childhood education programme that lays the foundation for social and financial literacy.
To successfully implement the Aflatot curricula the Directorate General of Early Childhood Education and Community Education West Java (PP PAUD and DIKMAS) was assigned to formulate the necessary policies for the Ministry of Education and pilot test the Aflatot programme. By doing so, the Directorate’s vision is to become a centre of excellence and innovation in the field of early childhood education.
PP PAUD and DIKMAS West Java piloted the Aflatot programme in 5 different preschools in West Java. By examining the suitability of the Aflatot programme with the characteristics of Indonesia, the PP PAUD and DIKMAS West Java can integrate it into the curriculum of early childhood with the regulation from Ministry of Education and Culture.
The PP PAUD and West Java adapted the Aflatot programme to the Indonesian needs by focusing on children between 5 to 6-year-olds and by modifying the Aflatot’s illustrations to be more contextualized for Indonesian children.
During the pilot test, parents were also encouraged to get involved in the Aflatot programme activities. For instance, they were asked to participate in an exhibition and act as buyers of goods sold by their children.
After one year, the Aflatot pilot project by PP PAUD and DIKMAS West Java was determined successful in all the 5 preschools where it was tested and will be included in the Indonesian National Curricula starting 2019.
The programme was well received by teachers and parents. They expressed that the programme offers children a unique opportunity to shape their development in social and financial literacy before they reach primary school.
