October 2011: MFC and MCPI hold first SPM Start-up Fund training
MFC's SPM Start-up Fund initiative kicks off first training for networks on promoting and implementing SPM among their members
The Microfinance Centre (MFC) in cooperation with the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) organized first Kick-off Workshop in Manila, Philippines between 6th and 14th October. The Kick-off Workshop opens up the project conducted by microfinance networks witin Social Performance Start-up Fund for networks. Four grantees from Asia participated in the event (China Association for Microfinance (CAM); China, Micro Finance Institutions Network (MFIN), India; Centre for Microfinance (CMF), Nepal; National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO), Philippines) The two similar workshops for the rest of grantees will follow this fall.
The Kick-off Workshop was divided into two parts. The first part – study tour, was focused on MCPI very practical and concrete experience on working with its members on SPM and the role the network can play in promoting SPM. The participants could learn as well how SPM can be implemented in an MFI, based on experience of ASHI, local MFI. The participants highlighted practical dimension of the study tour: the focus on practical experience and results helped to clarify SPM.
Second part of kick off workshop was dedicated to building capacity of network staff and their consultants through providing information on SPM concepts, tools, SP related developments in the form of TOT (training of trainers) as well as allow participants to share and discuss their project plans on promoting SPM in their respected countries.
This kick-off workshop was held within a framework of the project Social Performance Start –up Fund for Networks aiming at increasing transparency and SPM take-up by MFIs through supporting networks’ SPM outreach to their members and supported by Ford Foundation.
