CGAP Funder Training
February 3, 2010
Developing Inclusive Financial Systems: The CGAP Course for Funders of Microfinance
(informations en français)
Course schedule for 2010:
April 2010 in Bali, Indonesia (in English)
September 2010 in Nairobi, Kenya (in English)
Why Attend?
Microfinance is a rapidly changing field. From its early days as credit only programs, it has evolved to being about building inclusive financial systems for all poor and underserved people. Donors and investors are seeking a critical understanding of their roles and value‐added in this new environment. They also seek to take advantage of innovations to scale up access to finance and achieve their development goals. Participants will gain knowledge of the broader microfinance landscape and current topics, as well as the nuts and bolts of how to effectively fund different kinds of interventions.
Who should attend the course?
Recently updated to reflect the latest innovations in microfinance, this course is tailored for donors and investors who will benefit from a deeper understanding of microfinance to conduct their work more effectively. More than 500 participants from over 70 countries have already participated in this training.
The course is primarily designed for project managers and investment officers making funding decisions on microfinance. They may be new or recent to microfinance, with previous experience in other development sectors or the financial sector. It is also useful for persons interested in a refresher on latest developments and trends in microfinance.
What will participants learn?
The course uses the latest adult education techniques to deliver a full curriculum that equips participants with a solid grounding in microfinance and the tools to make sound financing decisions. At the heart of the teaching methodology are case studies and group work that are built on real‐life situations, allowing participants to learn in a creative and interactive method.
The course involves a site visit to MFIs in the country of instruction. Participants attending the full course (5 days) will benefit from carefully sequenced sessions that lead up to practical application of good practice principles. Those staying for the short course (3 days) will receive a thorough overview of the fundamentals of microfinance.
The Short Course (3 days)
Participants will gain a broad overview of microfinance, including the following topics:
• What is a Financial Systems Approach?
• Clients at the Center – Why is Access to Financial Services Important?
• Understanding the Financial Market at Micro, Meso and Macro Levels
• Financial System Gap Analysis Framework
• Site Visits to Microfinance Institutions in Jordan
• Other Current Issues in Microfinance
The Full Course (5 days)
Participants will apply skills and knowledge learned throughout the course to assess a funding request, using a case study. Specific topics covered will include:
• What Constitutes Appropriate Roles of Funders and Factors for Effective
Involvement?
• Micro, Meso and Macro Level Project Assessment
• Making a Funding Decision: Comparative Advantage, Instruments,
Collaboration
• How to Structure Monitoring and Reporting
What do alumni of the course say?
Over 500 participants from 70 countries attended the courses organized in the last five years and have consistently rated it highly; average ratings have been 4.5 out of 5. This is what some of them said:
"The training was excellent -- and the field visit was the highlight of my trip. Bringing the training to the field was a plus factor because it highlighted how dynamic and varied the microfinance field is."
"I have really enjoyed this training; I have just been assigned a new microfinance portfolio therefore the timing is just right."
"I would like to thank you again for providing us with such a wonderful five-day workshop. I think we learned a lot about internationally recognized practices and methods."
"Very impressive preparation and course, excellent selection of participants, very rich and diversified course content."
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