An Update from Credit Union Foundation Australia (CUFA)

by Anne Casey, Education Officer CUFA (Australia)

Credit Union Foundation Australia (CUFA) develops community access to affordable financial services in the Asia Pacific region, working cooperatively at grass-roots through to government levels, building capacity in emerging credit union movements to create sustainability, improve lives and relieve poverty.

CUFA runs some exciting programs and we’d like to invite the readers of CUInsight to engage with us and join CUFA in strengthening people and developing communities.

Pacific Credit Union Technical Congress
The Pacific Congress, held in Papua New Guinea from 13-16 September 2011 provides the opportunity for mutual learning between developed and developing Credit Union staff. The Pacific Congress will provide the support the Pacific communities need to grow and prosper into the future by developing knowledge and technical credit union skills through workshops and guest speakers. For 2011 only- a CEO Study Tour of Rabaul/ Kokopo will be held prior to the Congress from 9-12 September 2011. Visit local credit unions, volcanos, submarines and even take in a round of golf before attending the Pacific Congress in Port Moresby. A once in a lifetime opportunity!

Development Education Program
The DE program is an inspiring and professional training and development program which addresses the importance and function of mutuals and credit unions. The 2011 Development Education program will be held for the very first time in Timor Leste from the 07 November-11 November. This once in a lifetime opportunity will allow participants to see first-hand how Mutuals are changing lives in the country of Timor Leste.

The program includes diverse topics including understanding and managing the credit union and cooperative difference, credit union development in Timor Leste, financial literacy, gender, the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s), and public speaking and presentation skills.

Program participants will undertake community projects that will benefit their sponsoring organisation and community. The successful completion of these programs will see participants receiving formal recognition as a development educator.

CUFA Fijian Leadership Challenge
The Fijian Leadership Challenge will be held from the 26 February 2012-11 March 2012. This inspiring personal growth and leadership development program, sees Challengers meeting a number of key personal and credit union outcomes:

• Physical & Cultural: Kayak around Kadavu and Ono Islands- a highly enjoyable, moderately difficult 4.5 day physical challenge including visiting villages, which gives a great insight into the Fijian way of life
• Support & Fundraise: Support the Oceanic Confederation of Credit Union Leagues and help give our Pacific neighbours a safe place to save
• Engage & Learn: Visit Fijian credit unions, leagues and members – learn about the impact of the development of the local Credit Union League and their members needs and issues
• Be inspired & “Make a Difference”: With CUFA’s support Challengers will be inspired to engage with their own local Credit Union Community Programs and Community Partners

CUFA Cambodian Leadership Challenge
The CUFA Cambodian Challenge will be held from the 04 June 2012-17 June 2012. The CUFA Challenge Programs are exciting and adventurous leadership programs like no other and are a real test physically, emotionally, intellectually, and culturally.

• Physical & Cultural: Cycle over 300kms and visit temples including Angkor Wat, one of the wonders of the world and local rural communites- a highly enjoyable, moderately difficult 4.5 day physical challenge including visiting villages, which gives a great insight into the Cambodian way of life
• Support & Fundraise: Support the Children’s Financial Literacy Program  and help give thousands of children hope for the future
• Engage & Learn: Visit Cambodian credit unions, leagues and members – learn about the impact of the development of the local Credit Union League and their members needs and issues
• Be inspired & “Make a Difference”: With CUFA’s support Challengers will be inspired to engage with their own local Credit Union Community Programs and Community Partners

Credit Union Foundation Australia (CUFA) is the development agency for the Australian Credit Union Movement. CUFA has both a domestic and international development focus in its activities.  CUFA supports Australian credit unions to achieve and promote sustainable corporate, economic, social and environmental practice, and to promote financial and social well-being in communities.  CUFA develops community access to affordable financial services in the Asia Pacific region, working cooperatively at grass-roots through to government levels, building capacity in emerging credit union movements to create sustainability, improve lives and relieve poverty.