March 19 - 30, 2012

Community-Based Microfinance

Offering in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

What you can expect

This two-week certificate focuses on building your skills and knowledge of community-based microfinance methodologies that are essential for deeper financial inclusion of communities living in remote rural regions. The course will emphasize savings-led, member-owned models, such as savings groups/village savings and loan groups, self-help groups, small co-ops and large financial cooperatives; and how those connect with more formal financial services. The program builds on the premise that access to financial services is critical for remote rural families for managing livelihoods and lives. In addition, self-managed financial systems can also help generate social capital and become a driver of broader social change in the community.

Personal benefits

• Learn about different methodologies and perspectives behind community-based microfinance approaches and models, through case studies around the world and experience-sharing with fellow practitioners
• Build practical skills for program designing, planning and implementation appropriate for diverse set of contexts and communities
• Assess your current programs to improve methodology and products to better suit needs to the communities
• Get access to material, tools, and research papers for practical application in your programs

Organizational benefits

• Microfinance program designing and management skills for remote rural areas and other under-served communities; as a stand-alone or multi-sector program approach
• Incorporate broader social and community development goals as objectives within microfinance programs, methodology and product designs

Who is best suited for the program?

This course is ideal for mid-to senior level managers in NGOs, microfinance practitioners in rural areas, bankers, government agencies responsible for financial inclusion, central bank or government regulators, capacity builders, and donors promoting community-based approaches in microfinance. You should have a minimum of two years of experience in, or intensive exposure to microfinance.

Fees

Total fees are $2,150 USD. This covers tuition, room and board for the 2 week course.

Scholarships

We have limited scholarships available through The MasterCard Foundation’s Scholars’ Program. Apply early to request scholarship support.

Location

The Coady Institute’s Certificates in Community Based Microfinance or Livelihoods and Markets will be held at the Consortium of Christian Relief and Development Association (CCRDA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. CCRDA provides ample classroom facilities and comfortable accommodations onsite for participants attending either of these programs. 

How to Apply

Applicants should apply at least two months before the start of the program. Applications are assessed as soon as they are received so apply early to ensure time for making travel and visa arrangements.

Application Form (192 Kb doc) can be downloaded here and should be directed to:

Admissions Officer – Coady International Institute
St. Francis Xavier University
PO Box 5000, Antigonish, NS, Canada  B2G 2W5
Phone    902.867.3953 Fax    902.867.3907
Email    coadyreg@stfx.ca