Microfinance Training of Trainers: 3rd Blended Distance Learning Course

Background

Microfinance is recognized as an effective development intervention in improving the livelihoods and reducing the vulnerability of poor and low-income people. While the gap between the supply and demand for microfinance services is huge, the main constraint is the lack of capacity in operating sustainable institutions, not the lack of funds.

To address this constraint, ADBI, the Tokyo Development Learning Center of the World Bank, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) launched the Microfinance Training of Trainers (MFTOT) Course in 2005. The main goal of the MFTOT is to increase the number of accredited microfinance trainers in the Asia Pacific Region.

The two courses held in 2005 trained over 250 participants and accredited 47 trainers in eight countries. High quality learning materials, including an instructor?s manual, were provided to accredited trainers. Participants favorably evaluated both courses.

Back to Top

Course Description

The course has a unique blend of features:

1. Self-paced study using the Microfinance Distance Learning (MFDL) package developed by UNCDF. This package explores why and how microfinance operations grow to provide financial services to poor and low-income people on a sustainable basis. It brings together advice and best practices from successful practitioners and institutions from Asia, Latin America, and Africa.

2. Meeting with international microfinance experts through four, three-hour videoconference sessions at the local GDLN center. View the video conference venues in your area. The videoconference sessions will feature presentations and discussions on current issues and best practices in microfinance. The videoconferences will be webcast. Please review webcast details.

3. E-discussion forum moderated by experts.

4. Online tutoring (exclusively for participants who are interested in accreditation. Refer to the Participants section below.)Tutors will grade assignments, provide feedback, and administer the final exams.

To successfully complete the course, participants should have

• English proficiency. The course will be conducted in English.
• Strong commitment and self-discipline. The course will require between 10-20 hours of self-study per week, depending on the level of English proficiency and background in microfinance.
• Support from employer. To ensure that participants can devote enough time to the course activities, we encourage participants to seek endorsement from employers.

In addition, participants will need

• A computer with 486 processor using Windows 95 or later, keyboard, mouse, CD-ROM drive, speakers or earphones, monitor of 800x600 resolution and at least 256 colors.
• An e-mail account for online discussion purposes and exchanges with the course instructor.

Back to Top

Costs

Course participation is free. However, participants will have to pay a modest amount (less than US$25) for the MFDL package, i.e., a student workbook and two CD-ROMs, and local learning support, e.g., local facilitators. The actual cost will be determined based on the final number of participants and costs of materials reproduction.

Back to Top

Objectives

While the ultimate objective of the MFTOT is to strengthen the institutional capacity of microfinance in the Asia Pacific Region to better serve the poor, the immediate objective is to increase the number of accredited microfinance trainers.

The course consists of three modules and special topics in microfinance.

At the end of Module I (The World of Microfinance), participants will be able to

• describe fundamental concepts in microfinance,
• design client-focused services,
• apply effective microcredit methodologies, and
• describe the effects of the local environment on microfinance

At the end of Module II (Financial Analysis), participants will be able to

• read financial statements,
• measure delinquency,
• identify key financial factors,
• identify effective interest rate practices,and
• measure financial viability.

At the end of Module III (Institutional Analysis), participants will be able to

• gauge institutional viability, and,
• strengthen relations between donors and microfinance institutions.

Through discussions with experts on Special Topics in Microfinance, participants will be able to broaden their understanding of key issues in microfinance.

Back to Top

Participants

This course is primarily aimed at development or microfinance professionals, practitioners, policy makers, donor staff, socially responsible investors, and others who want to develop their skills in delivering microfinance training. There are two participant categories:

1. Training of Trainer (TOT) participant.Those who are interested in being accredited as a trainer should apply for this category. The course aims to accredit about 60-80 trainers through a rigorous and transparent process.
2. Regular participant.Those who wish to attend the course without seeking accreditation should apply for this category.

While there is no limit to the number of regular participants, the number of TOT participants is limited. Those who apply as TOT participants but are not selected will automatically be registered as regular participants.

Back to Top

Language

English

Back to Top

Responsibilities

TOT participants are required to submit homework, attend meetings at GDLN centers, and pass the final exam. Homework is strongly encouraged but not required for regular participants.

Back to Top

Cosponsors

World Bank Institute, Tokyo Development Learning Center, Global Development Learning Network