Microenterprise & Development Institute
MDI-NH
MDI-NH was founded in 1999 to focus on practitioner skill building in both financial systems and business development services. Emphasis is placed on the "double bottom line." We offer approaches to address the financial needs of poor families and their communities as well as building effective financial institutions that assure broad-based and long-term social and economic participation in the benefits that these institutions provide.
Participants in the New Hampshire program will get an opportunity to learn from some of the top microfinance and BDS practitioners in the field and network with peers from all over the globe. In the past six years we have trained more than 525 practitioners from 80 countries and 365 INGOs, NGO's MFIs, Universities, Banks and other organizations.
Who Should Attend
The Microenterprise and Development Institute is designed for Microenterprise Managers, Executive Directors, Program Directors, Financial Managers, Operations Managers, Board Members from Micro Finance NGOs, Credit Unions, Banks, and other Micro Finance institutions. Staff from State and National governments, Donors of Micro Finance institutions, Regulators, Policy decision makers and newcomers to the field. Students have come from five continents, providing a unique opportunity for learning and networking with a diverse group of fellow practitioners. MDI's experienced Instructors are leaders in the field. Several were former MDI participants who have come back to bring the knowledge they gained in the field to the MDI classroom. MDI offers an "Introduction to MED" track and welcomes newcomers.
Testimonials
"I was very impressed by the MDI courses. All my expectations before coming from Senegal have been fulfilled. By sharing experiences with many other colleagues coming from various countries, I have learned a lot in a very short time." -- Ousmane Thiongane, manager, Christian Children's Fund Senegal
"The MDI is not just another training course, it is a place where practitioners from all over the world can meet and discuss things they have in common and learn about others' experiences in different countries." -- Rahat Uraimova, program manager, Mercy Corps, Kyrgyzstan
"MDI presenters are tops in their fields and the participants bring a wide
range of development experiences and perspectives. Several colleagues in
development recommended the MDI New Hampshire as one of the best training and
refresher opportunities in the world - MDI-NH met that high expectation."
--
Monty Lynn, professor of management, Abilene Christian University, Texas
About the Host:
The School of Community Economic Development at Southern New Hampshire University is the only academic program in the United States offering an accredited graduate degree in the field. It started in 1982 with a master's degree program for adult practitioners throughout the U.S. and Canada. Four years later, the university initiated a master's degree program for international practitioners. In September of 1998, it started the first Community Economic Development doctoral program in the country.
Together with its affiliated Center for Community Economic Development, SNHU has helped create new institutions and models of CED, including three new community development financial institutions and 'Working Capital', the largest peer lending microfinance program in the United States. In 2000 the School of CED, in a partnership with the Open University of Tanzania, inaugurated the first Master's in Community Economic Development on the African Continent. In 2004 with co-sponsorship of the University of the North and the Small Enterprise Foundation we offered the Microenterprise and Development Certificate.
Educational Philosophy:The MDI New Hampshire learning experience is based on SNHU's School of Community Economic Development Educational Philosophy which emphasizes a learner-centered model in its approach to education and is based on the following principles:
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Education promotes critical thinking and empowers the learner to act effectively.
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Experience is a rich resource for learning. Participants' prior experience is integrated into the learning process.
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The participants play an active role in the planning, implementation and evaluation of his or her learning experience.
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Cultural diversity and a respect for cultural diversity enhance the learning process and is an integral part of CED practice.