Scholarships to qualify microfinance staff

[img_assist|nid=7425|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=100|height=62]Six leading microfinance training institutes will be granted by the MasterCard Foundation $100,000 each under the Scholars Program to train staff working in microfinance in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. 200 scholarships are planned to be provided.

Microfinance sector, which provides access to financial services to low-income populations in developing countries, is lacking qualified and educated specialists. On the score of fast growth of the sector well-trained leaders and staff is needed. This need is expected to be satisfied with the help of the Scholars Program which will extend educational and training opportunities to microfinance staff at the regional and local levels.

"Our Foundation is committed to strengthening the capacity of the microfinance sector by training staff working in developing countries," stated Reeta Roy, president and CEO of the MasterCard Foundation. "We are delighted to partner with these six respected institutes, which are vital to advancing knowledge and learning in microfinance."