PROFI DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM

Program Objectives: The professional graduating from this program is expected to Become familiar with the distinguishing features of Financial Cooperatives as well as the history of their development in Russia. Understand the different aspects linked to the organization and operation of Financial Cooperatives. Acquire greater knowledge about the financial management of a Financial Cooperative.

Program Objectives: Assimilate the different steps and operations required to successfully set up a Financial Cooperative network. Assimilate the credit services offered by a Financial Cooperative. Assimilate the general principles for examining and auditing Financial Cooperative Plan, organize and engage in a training activity to optimize the effectiveness of this organizational change.

Contents and structure: The contents of the training program are structured as a whole around seven topics. Each of these seven topics is contained in a module. Here is the description of them: Module A:Nature and Distinguishing Features of Savings and Credit Cooperatives This first module is an initiation to savings and credit cooperatives; it sets out the features that distinguish them from other types of companies, mutual aid societies and associations. A history of the movement rounds out this module. Module B:Structure and Organization of Savings and Credit Cooperatives This second module describes the members’ role, leadership’s responsibilities, staff’s tasks, the structure of a Financial Cooperative’s decision-taking bodies, the features of the network approach and the organizational components of a Financial Cooperative.

Contents and structure Module C: Financial Management and Analysis for Savings and Credit Cooperatives This third module takes up issues related to financial statements and financial analysis. Policies, practices and the evaluation of financial management are also discussed. Module D: Strategies and Procedures for Setting Up Savings and Credit Cooperatives This fourth module explains the elements that go into the planning of a network, concepts for an action plan, financial analysis and the steps for starting up a Financial Cooperative.

Contents and structure Module E:Credit Management in Savings and Credit Cooperatives This fifth module explains the steps related to loans: information- gathering, detailed analysis of the application, recommendation and authorization, follow-up and management of a loan portfolio. Module F: Surveillance in Savings and Credit Cooperatives The sixth module reviews internal control, examination and auditing procedures in savings and credit cooperatives.

Contents and structure Module G:Training in Savings and Credit Cooperatives The seventh module describes the steps needed to plan, design, execute and evaluate a training session for the elected leaders and staff of savings and credit cooperatives. This module also addresses the development of a training framework plan.

Summation PROFI is an initiative to improve financial cooperatives performance. Continued improvement of the program will be necessary to take into account changes in the enabling legal and economic environment.