5th Microfinance Training of Trainers: A Blended Distance Learning Course

Purpose

The Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) and the Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC) of the World Bank are pleased to offer the fifth Microfinance Training of Trainers (MFTOT) Course from 16 July to 30 October 2008. MFTOT is a unique blended distance learning course which aims to enhance the knowledge of microfinance practitioners and strengthen the institutional capacity of microfinance in the Asia-Pacific Region.

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Background

By enhancing their access to financial services, 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, TDLC, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) launched the Microfinance Training of Trainers (MFTOT) Course in 2005. The main objectives of the MFTOT are two-fold. First is to widely disseminate microfinance knowledge and best practices to micro-finance operators/practitioners and decision-makers. Second is to promote the development of microfinance trainers in the Asia-Pacific region through an (optional) accreditation program.

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Course Description

The course features a unique, blended approach consisting of:

1. Self-paced study using interactive digital learning materials developed by UNCDF. The Microfinance Distance Learning (MFDL) 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. The package is available online at http://www.uncdf.org/mfdl/^*. A CD-ROM version of the MFDL is also available.

2. Online tutoring. The course engages tutors who are top graduates of previous MFTOT courses to support the learning process. Throughout the course, tutors assist participants in completing the course assignments. The tutors communicate with participants primarily through email, under the supervision of the course organizers. In countries where there is a large number of participants and where local accredited trainers are available, tutoring could be done in local languages, possibly with some face-to-face sessions.

In addition, UNCDF learning materials are now available in local languages in Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Mongolia, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

3. Meeting with international microfinance experts through four three-hour videoconference sessions at the local GDLN center or through live webcasting. The videoconference sessions will feature presentations and discussions on selected issues and best practices in microfinance.

4. E-discussion forum moderated by tutors.

5. Accreditation (optional) : For participants who wish to be accredited as trainers of the MFDL/MFTOT course, an accreditation examination will be offered at the conclusion of the course. All participants may apply to take the examination.

* This link takes you outside the ADBI.org website. Please use the back button to return to ADBI.org.

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Participants

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

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How to Apply

During 15 May 2008 – 16 June 2008, registration can be made online at http://mftot.jointokyo.org/^*. Application shall be considered on a first come first served basis. Registration will be closed:

1. after 16 June 2008 or
2. when the number of application reaches 350.

* This link takes you outside the ADBI.org website. Please use the back button to return to ADBI.org.

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Language

The course will be delivered in English. The videoconferences, e-discussion, assignments and final examination, including the optional accreditation examination, will be conducted in English. However, if a country tutor is available, e-discussion may be conducted and assignments submitted in a local language.

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Cosponsors

Tokyo Development Learning Center