Shanu is our Programme Finance Officer. He helps us improve financial processes and works on the financial aspects of the projects. Shanu holds a master’s degree in Finance Management and previously worked for ING as a Business Finance Support.  

Shanu explained that his inspiration to work in social development comes from watching his mother teach children from disadvantageous communities. ”She would make the teaching as simple as possible with hopes that her students would come back to learn more. After their exams, they would come back to my mother to show their results. Some of them had smiling faces and some did not. But no matter if they failed or passed, my mother would give them the same amount of money so that they could buy candy for themselves. This equality, regardless of the results was my heartfelt experience, ” Shanu says. 

Why do you work for Aflatoun International? 

I come from a developing land, India, where there is richness as well as poverty. I have witnessed children living in poverty and believing that this is normal. I just would like to help break this belief and show them what else is possible. 

What is your role at the organisation?  

I take part in the money matters of the projects. Besides, I try to make justice to my role by making the lives of my colleagues easier by looking into improvements in financial processes. 

Why is social and financial education important? 

Poverty can push people into desperate situations. With social awareness, people can make better choices both financially and ethically. And once people are on the right path, they can multiply their hard-earned money with time.  

What do you like most about Aflatoun International? 

I am still discovering my favourite part about Aflatoun, but I really like the work we do with international organisations like UNICEF, for example. So far, I had just read about them in magazines and books. 

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

I would like to work on the mindset and working methods of the NGOs. I would like them to align their work in efficient corporate ways.

How do you see the future of Aflatoun International? 

We will definitely see some kids thanking us when they will look back at their lives to see the impact made by Aflatoun. 

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

”This too shall pass”.  King Solomon