8th Microfinance Training of Trainers: A Blended Distance Learning Course

Background

Microfinance is recognized as an effective development intervention that enhances access to financial services by low-income individuals. The MFTOT Course is jointly sponsored by the Asian Development Bank Institute and the World Bank Tokyo Development Learning Center. The interactive microfinance distance learning course developed by the United Nations Capital Development Fund* (UNCDF) is the core learning material for study. This course has received high ratings from participants and become popular in many countries.

Seven courses have been successfully delivered in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world. About 3,000 participants have conducted self-study using the interactive e-Learning package, attended videoconference sessions, and received online tutoring. Among them, a total of 694 participants in 51 countries were accredited to become fully certified trainers of the UNCDF microfinance distance learning course. Top graduates from Bangladesh, Cambodia, People’s Republic of China, India, Japan, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam have worked as tutors for the courses.

Since 2007, the course materials (workbook and interactive CD-ROM) have been translated from English into several languages, including Chinese, Khmer, Lao, Thai, Vietnamese, Mongolian, and Bahasa Indonesia.

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Course Description

The course features a unique, blended approach consisting of:

1. Self-paced study using the Microfinance Distance Learning package * developed by UNCDF.
2. Online tutoring and e-discussion. Tutors will assist participants in completing assignments throughout the course and will provide feedback and grading. Online discussions will be moderated by the team leader of tutors.
3. Meeting with international microfinance experts through four videoconference sessions at selected GDLN centers. The videoconference sessions will feature presentations and discussions on current issues and best practices in microfinance. The videoconferences will also be webcast live.
4. Local courses in selected countries will be available during the same time period.

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Objectives

The MFTOT course aims to:

• strengthening the institutional capacity of microfinance in the Asia-Pacific region by making high-quality training accessible to more decision-makers, professionals and practitioners; and
• increase the number and country coverage of accredited microfinance trainers in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world.

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Participants

This course is aimed primarily at development practitioners, microfinance professionals, policy makers, donor staff, socially responsible investors, students, and others who want to improve their knowledge of best practices in microfinance.

Participants who wish to develop their skills in delivering microfinance training and become fully certified trainers of the UNCDF course can earn accreditation by successfully completing all weekly assignments and the final examination for this course.

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How to Register

Online registration is now open. For more information, please visit TDLC's course web page on Moodle*.

Please register by November 30, 2011.

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Language

English, with course materials in various languages.

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Partners

Tokyo Development Learning Center*

* These links take you outside the ADBI.org website