Microfinance with Education
FAQs
Microfinance with Education (MWE) Program FAQs
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Why do I have to be living and working in the Majority World to participate in the MWE Program?
While the online coursework for the MWE Program can be completed anywhere with Internet access, the self-paced field practicum requires participants to have ongoing access to the MWE Program area. Without the context in which to practice their skills, participants will not be able to do the following sample activities for trainers:
- Meet regularly with savings groups;
- Facilitate weekly business lessons to people living in low-income communities;
- Train others to become certified Trainers; and
- Monitor the progress and growth of the MWE Program.
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Why do I have to be a Christian to participate in the MWE Program?
The mission of the Chalmers Center is to equip the local Christian church with holistic strategies for reducing poverty. We see poverty not just as the absence of material goods, but also as a brokenness that exists in all of our primary relationships (with God, self, others, and the rest of creation). Our training materials are designed to point people to Jesus Christ as one who can help restore these broken relationships. We seek to partner with people who share these commitments as a framework for working in poverty alleviation.
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Why is the MWE Program three years long?
We believe that developing good training skills requires time. While trainers begin to use the MWE training materials after completing the online coursework, we want to support them over time, giving them additional mentoring and learning opportunities as their experience with the MWE Program grows.
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Why do I have to sign a license agreement?
The purpose of the licensing agreement is to maintain the quality of Chalmers’ training programs and establish the terms of the training relationship between Chalmers and the trainer. We believe that curriculum is only one piece of a quality training program. The skill, knowledge, attitudes, and experience of the trainer using the curriculum play a significant role in how well people learn. The license agreement outlines how trainers can use and share the curriculum so that the quality of the learning event is high. The licensing agreement also outlines the reporting requirements for trainers during their three-year license period.
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Do I have to reapply to the program after the first three-year license period?
No. Trainers can continue to use the Chalmers training materials they received without any additional cost, per the copyright and distribution requirements. However, trainers are encouraged to apply for recertification every three years to maintain access to new curriculum and to remain connected to the network of Chalmers Trainers.
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Why do I have to send annual training reports to Chalmers?
The Chalmers Center seeks to create a network of trainers who are utilizing the MWE Program in a variety of settings. The annual reports provide feedback to Chalmers and to other trainers about best practices and challenges with using the training materials. The annual reports are designed to cover a small number of training outcomes and may already be satisfied by the reports that the trainer provides their own church/organization.
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I’m confused by all of the types of trainers Chalmers has. Why do you have Trainers, Lead Trainers, and Master Trainers?
We recognize that every organization has different training needs; some seek to work at a small scale, with a team of practitioners training at the community level; others want to roll out MWE training across multiple countries and networks and need to train larger numbers of staff. Chalmers’ trainer certification programs add additional training and resources as trainers seek to expand their MWE Programs. Simply put:
- Trainers train Community Members
- Lead Trainers train Trainers
- Master Trainers train Lead Trainers
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If I get certified as a Trainer, why can’t I train other Trainers in my organization and across my networks?
While the concepts and technical ideas in Chalmers’ curriculum are simple to understand and implement, we believe that good training requires practice. A four-week course can be a sufficient amount of preparation for a practitioner to train SCA or BHH at the community level. But to adequately prepare others to be Trainers, additional training in adult education principles and practices is required, as well as training in monitoring and evaluating of Trainer competency. Most educational systems require that practitioners receive additional training before becoming certified as teachers. Chalmers wants to ensure that all who become Trainers were equipped and mentored by capable Lead Trainers.
Course FAQs
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Are the MWE courses available through live training?
While the benefits of live training are many, the cost of hosting live, multi-day training events is expensive. The Chalmers Center has experience conducting live training events and will consider, on a case-by-case basis, holding MWE training events in the Majority World. The funding for these live training events would need to be provided by the hosting church or organization.
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Is there a way to complete the courses via distance learning without access to the Internet?
No. Our online courses are designed to be interactive through the use of discussion forums, webinars, and Skype. We use the Moodle online learning platform for all of our online courses. All of these tools require Internet access on a weekly basis.
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Are the online courses only available in English?
Yes. At this time, we are only able to provide the online courses in English.
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What is the purpose of the field practicum?
The field practicum is a time for the trainer to gain practical skills using the MWE curriculum. Trainers will report their experience back to Chalmers who can help them work through obstacles and situations that might arise.
Application FAQs
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How do I submit my application and recommendations?
You can scan your documents into PDF format and email them to info@chalmers.org, or you can send the original documents via regular post to the address below:
The Chalmers Center
ATTN: Director of Training
14049 Scenic Highway
Lookout Mountain, GA 30750 USA -
When should I notify my references that I am applying to become a Chalmers Center Trainer?
As soon as you decide to apply. This will give your references as much time as possible to write your recommendations.
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Should I wait for my recommendations before submitting my application form?
Yes. Your letters of recommendation should be submitted with your application in order for it to be considered complete.
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I think I meet the requirements, but how do I make sure?
Learn about what the Chalmers Center is looking for in a Trainer applicant by reviewing the Prerequisites & Eligibility requirements. If you still are unsure, email us at info@chalmers.org with any questions you have.
