Inaugural Session of 55th Grameen International Dialogue Program
The 55th Grameen International Dialogue Program was held from November 1 - 12, 2008, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The program was jointly organized by Grameen Trust, Grameen Bank and Grameen Foundation USA. A total of 22 participants from nine countries: Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Sudan, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, USA, and Yemen took part in the Dialogue program.
The 55th Grameen International Dialogue program was designed as a forum where potential replicators, representatives from NGOs, micro-credit practitioners and enthusiasts from the Arab world could gain a deeper understanding of Grameen microcredit program, as well as share their ideas, viewpoints and personal experiences of implementing Grameen type credit programs in their own countries. Simultaneous translations in Arabic, English and French facilitated lively communications among the participants during the program.
Professor H.I. Latifee, Managing Director of Grameen Trust, inaugurated the Program. Professor Dr. Aziz Akgul, President of Turkish Grameen Microcredit Project (TGMP) attended at the dialogue program as a resource person.
A key component of the Grameen International Dialogue Program is spending significant amount of time in the field observing Grameen operations at the center, branch, area and zonal offices. The participants were amazed by the warmth, openness, pride and self-confidence of the Grameen borrowers, and struck by the profound social platform Grameen had created for its members. They were inspired by the impact of Grameen's work over different generations, and impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the Grameen staff.
The participants were convened in small groups once they returned from the field visit to discuss how the Grameen field experience was relevant to their particular country context. The groups were assisted by senior staff from Grameen Bank and Grameen Trust. The participants mentioned that they were impressed by the transparency, efficiency and innovative approach of Grameen Banking System. They observed that the Grameen principles of hard work, unity and discipline were strongly integrated at all levels. The participants explained that they were convinced of the Grameen Banking System as a sustainable tool to serve the poor.
Report by Mir Hossain Chowdhury
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Grameen Trust organized an Innovation Dialogue on December 16 - 17, 2008, for its partners to share their experiences in implementing Project Dignity (PD) program, GT's replication of Grameen Bank's Struggling Members' Program to provide interest-free and collateral-free microcredit for income generating activities to beggars.
Professor H. I. Latifee presided over the sessions of the Innovation Dialogue. The Chief Executives of the partner organizations, senior officials of Grameen Trust, and coordinators of the PD partner projects attended the program. Altogether 22 participants from 11 partner organizations took part in the Innovation Dialogue.
In his inaugural speech Professor Latifee appreciated the partner organizations for the tireless effort they rendered to make the PD a success. He also expressed his gratitude to partner organizations for graduating 58 struggling members out of begging. The participants shared their experience of implementing Project Dignity and reaching to the bottom poor - the beggars - with microcredit services. The partners suggested innovative ways to promote Project Dignity and serve its members better through supporting micro-entrepreneurs for borrowers with potential, utility services, credit-plus programs, etc.. The Chief Executives of the partner organizations shared their annual plan for 2009.
Project Dignity was launched in April 2006. So far GT has selected 11 partner organizations to implement Project Dignity. The partners have started the program in 25 districts in Bangladesh. As of December 2008, PD has disbursed Tk. 6,420,200 among 4,009 members. PD partners have also distributed 1,955 utility items (such as mosquito nets, umbrellas, blankets, quilts, etc.) among 1,399 members. The beggars who have joined Project Dignity have saved Tk. 525,009. Benefiting from Project Dignity, so far 58 members have left begging.
Report by Faruq Al Banna |
