Microfinance with Education Training Program

The Chalmers Center for Economic Development exists to train local churches in holistic strategies to address the spiritual, economic, and social needs of people living in poverty. For over ten years, we have been researching, designing, and field-testing innovative approaches to church-centered economic development that have culminated in the following two Microfinance with Education (MWE) Programs:

1. Promoting Savings and Credit Associations Program
   

   This program trains participants to understand the basic principles of Savings and Credit Associations so they can promote such groups as a ministry tool for their church.

2. Business, Home, and Health Program
   

   This program teaches participants the necessary skills and knowledge to train low-income people in small business principles, household financial management, and a range of health topics.

The Chalmers Center makes its MWE Programs available to the Christian community through a licensing process. Individuals apply to become certified Trainers in one or both of the MWE Programs. Certified Trainers may use the MWE Program materials in their work with people living in poor communities. After successfully demonstrating competency as a Trainer, an individual may pursue Lead Trainer certification. Lead Trainers are equipped to train and certify other Trainers in their organization. Organizations seeking the ability to train multiple Lead Trainers across networks and countries may pursue Master Trainer certification.