Lucky is Indonesian. He holds a master degree of the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague under Erasmus University Netherlands. Prior to joining Aflatoun, he spent almost 17 years of his career in the NGO world in Indonesia. He joined World Vision Indonesia for 5 years (1997-2002), UNICEF Indonesia as Child Protection project officer (2002-2007) and ILO as Youth Employment project manager (2009-2014). Lucky has been working on grass root community level and also with high-level government officials and systems.

He enjoys working with Aflatoun International since it is like a continuation of his previous working experience in Indonesia. During his time with ILO’s youth employment project, he dealt with a financial education programme, a rights and responsibilities programme and an entrepreneurship and employability programme for young people. It is now more fun since he learns from many different partners and countries. He manages 35 NGO partners and 3 government partners in 13 Asian countries, delivering social and financial education to more than 4 million children.  

Why Aflatoun International?  

I’m passionate about empowering children through social and financial education. I have been doing this for the last 20 years of my life and I feel happy and proud when my work can improve someone else’s life.  

What is your role at the organisation?  

I’m the Programme Manager for the Asia region.

How would you explain what you do to a 5-year-old? 

My work is to help educate children and young people around the world on how to save their resources but also to do it in a fun way – playing and singing. 

Why is social and financial education important? 

These are important skills that every child and young person should master, especially today, in the age of globalisation and the Internet. Without social and financial skill children and young people could easily become a target of consumerism and spend their money unwisely. These skills teach them to invest in their future development. 

What do you like most about Aflatoun International? 

I like that we work together with more than 300 partners from all over the world. This makes our work more efficient and sustainable.  

What is something NGOs have to deal with that you want to fix?

NGOs partners face challenges in scaling up their programmes with quality while at the same time constantly looking for innovative ways to fund their activities. 

How do you see the future of Aflatoun International? 

The future of Aflatoun International looks very promising as in the 21st century social and financial education becomes more and more relevant to all children and young people around the world regardless of their social status.  

Who is a hero of yours? 

My father, he gave me a great childhood.  

Share with us a motto or quote close to your philosophy of life.  

Playing is as important for a child as learning is.