The Initiative has been the primary sponsor of scholarships for training seminars and learning opportunities within the MENA region. These scholarships have been critical in boosting the capacity of regional practitioners in providing best practice microfinance. Regional participation in international trainings, events, and conferences has increased the opportunities for MFIs within MENA to not only gain improved practical expertise and know-how, but it has also provided access to forums in which they have been able to network and exchange important ideas and experiences. During the past two and a half years, the Initiative has awarded 163 scholarships to MFI staff representing 12 countries.

 

Grameen Dialogue for the Arab World

The Grameen Dialogue has been one of the most important events sponsored, developed, and organized by the Initiative. This unique forum was designed to expose practitioners in the MENA region to the Grameen Bank methodology, including a 12-day intensive training and a branch visit whereby participants are immersed in the field in Bangladesh. The Initiative’s first Grameen Dialogue took place in May of 2004 and included the participation of 43 practitioners throughout the region. It’s success prompted the Second Grameen Dialogue for the Arab World in May of 2006 and included 20 participants and targeted participants in emerging microfinance markets (Algeria, Syria, and Palestine).

Participants at the 2nd Grameen Arab Diaologue in Bangladesh