SPTF to Launch Universal Standards for Social Performance
The Social Performance Task Force (SPTF) has begun a process to define Universal Standards for Social Performance, meaning, a set of standards to which all double- and triple-bottom line microfinance institutions should be held. The idea is that these standards will establish clear expectations for both social performance and social performance reporting. The standards are also being designed to represent the foundation for an institution’s social performance expectations, not the pinnacle. Read more
Imp-Act and MicroSave Launch Guidance Notes on SPM
Imp-Act and MicroSave launch two new Guidance Notes to help support organizations in integrating a social lens into strategic planning and governance training for MFIs. This is an important development for the SPM agenda as experience shows that good governance is key to upholding an MFI’s mission and balancing stakeholder interests. A responsible, informed and engaged board decides the balance between financial and social performance. Also, deliberate planning for social performance is essential. Positive social outcomes are not automatic. Read more
Grameen Foundation and Microsave partner to implement the PPI® in Asia
The Grameen Foundation and MicroSave have joined together in Asia to implement the Progress out of Poverty Index® (PPI®), a social performance management (SPM) tool that enables pro-poor organizations to measure whether they are reaching and helping the poor, and better align their products and services to serve the needs of the poor. This is especially critical in the current microfinance environment, where there have been concerns that microfinance institutions (MFIs) are more focused on profits than fighting poverty. Read more
VMFWG & MEMBERS NEWS
Training course on Business Development Services for MFIs (9-10 July, 2011)
Vietnam Microfinance Working Group (VMFWG) and the Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) would jointly organize training course on “Business development services for microfinance institutions”. The objective of this course is to strengthen the capacity of microfinance institutions in Vietnam in conducting the Business Development Services (BDS), which can support the poor families / households low-income use their resources efficiently to increase income and economic development. Read more
The Dariu Foundation launching Mobile School
The Dariu Foundation (TDF), a Swiss-based NGO, is pleased to announce the launching of a mobile school donated by Ms. Ines Kaindl and named after her daughter Helena or Helena’s Mobile School (HMS). This is the first ever of its kind such a mobile school to be launched inVietnam, aimed at providing training on computer and internet access skills for the poor kids in the Mekong Delta rural areas of Vietnam. Read more
PARTNER NEWS
Training course “Analysis of financial and social performance in microfinance institutions (MFIs)”
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) collaborated with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to hold a training course “Analysis of financial and social performance in microfinance institutions (MFIs)”, which took place in three days (8-10/6/2011) in Hanoi. The training course is a part of the project of technical assistance “Formalize the MFIs” funded by ADB. This is the eighth training course in the series of twelve professionally technical training courses for MFIs, which will be held in turn until the end of project in October 2011. Read more
POLICY & LEGAL NEWS
Credit institutions required to comply with stipulations on interest rates
The Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) issued Document No.4605/NHNN-CSTT on VND mobilizing and lending interest rates to be sent to credit institutions and the Vietnam Banks Association. On the same day, the SBV Governor issued Document No. 1606/NHNN-CSTT to propose the chairmen of the provincial and municipal people’s committees to coordinate in overseeing the implementation of the interest rate regulations by the credit institutions in their locations. Read more
Resolution of the Government on sustainable poverty reduction
On 19 May 2011, the Government issued the Resolution 80/NQ-CP on sustainable poverty reduction orientation in period 2011- 2020. Poverty reduction is a major policy to improve the material and spiritual life of the poor, to contribute in narrowing the gap in living standards between rural and urban, regions, ethnic groups and population. The resolution affirmed the Government’s determination to continue to implement show the determination to implement the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations, which Vietnam has committed. Read more
UPCOMING EVENTS
Workshop “Leadership in Strategic Health Communication” (Deadline: 15 July 2011)
The Center for Community Health Research and Development, in collaboration with the Center for Communication Programs at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, is pleased to announce that we will be conducting the fourth annual “Leadership in Strategic Health Communication” workshop in Vietnam from September 18 to September 30, 2011.Designed for a select group of program managers, this 12-day workshop provides, through review of the latest findings in health and social communication, an opportunity to enhance Behavior Change Communication (BCC) understanding, knowledge and skills. Read more
Asia Network Summit (ANS) 2011
The Banking With the Poor Network (BWTP) the SEEP Network, ADA, The Foundation for Development Cooperation (FDC) and the Microfinance Council of the Philippines (MCPI), are pleased to convene the fourth annual Asia Network Summit (ANS) 2011 scheduled for July 26 – 27, 2011, in Manila, the Philippines. The ANS 2011 will provide an opportunity for the representatives of microfinance networks from across Asia to discuss key areas of interest on product service and innovation, managing donor relationships, consumer protection and risk management and regional network collaboration. Read more
DONOR CORNER
Call for Expressions of Interest – Microsavings and Payments Innovation Initiative (Deadline: 5 August, 2011)
The Microsavings and Payments Innovation Initiative (MPII) invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) to conduct rigorous, field-based research on savings products and services as well as payments and money transfer channels for the world’s poor and financially excluded. EOI submissions for Round 1 are due Friday, August 5 2011 by 11:59 pm Eastern Daylight Time. Read more
