African Confederation of Cooperative Savings & Credit Associations (ACCOSCA) announced today the recognition and collaboration with credit unions and their partners across the United States and Africa to achieve a vision to make their latest project, The ACCOSCA Academy, a reality.
A vision and education plan to reach ACCOSCA member countries representing more than 750 million consumers has already received a groundswell of support from African SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperatives) throughout the continent of Africa. Currently, America's credit unions and their partners are organizing to raise $1.2 million for The ACCOSCA Academy to cross the finish line.
The ACCOSCA Academy enables employees, board members, and regulators of African SACCOs, in addition to community members, to participate in education and training. The Academy will increase competencies at all levels, prepare leaders, and will introduce new ideas and effective problem-solving strategies.
“The ACCOSCA Academy will be the first of its kind in Africa. The Academy will use a blended learning approach to relevant training programs while providing a forum for Africa's SACCO leadership to think about how SACCOs can empower lives and build livelihoods across the continent of Africa.” said Lois Kitsch, chairperson, African Cooperative Development Foundation (ACDF). Kitsch is working to develop programs and projects to support The ACCOSCA Academy mission of helping Africa achieve its economic potential and giving Africans a better place to live and work.
“Economic and social empowerment of people living in Africa profoundly depends on the financial education knowledge they acquire. I believe training on the impact and efficacy of the credit union model through the Academy to management and leadership has an enormous potential of transforming the communities in Africa by increased membership penetration of the co-operative Model.” said George Ombado, ACCOSCA Executive Director.
The African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) is continuing their partnership and support of ACCOSCA by receiving restricted donations on behalf of ACCOSCA for US contributions for The ACCOSCA Academy.
To learn more about The ACCOSCA Academy and opportunities to pledge support including the upcoming Climb Africa fundraising event, visit Climb Africa or https://accosca.org/accoscaacademy/
