MICROFUTURE PARTNERS GATHER IN FRANCE FOR THE 3RD MEETING

On the 15th and 16th of May, in Paris, France, the Microfuture project partners convened for their third face-to-face meeting in the Seine Saint Denis region. This gathering marked another pivotal moment for the project, showcasing the commitment of partners towards effectively implementing prosperous solutions in the microfinance sector.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from the director of Seine Saint Denis, setting a collaborative and productive tone for the discussions ahead. The lead partner, OIRBI, presented the agenda for the first and second day, guiding participant project partners through the planned activities and discussions.

A notable highlight of the gathering was the insightful presentation delivered by the Yunus Foundation. Through a comprehensive comparative analysis, they shed light on the diverse challenges encountered by microfinance initiatives across different regions. Drawing upon data gathered through Gap Analysis and partner questionnaires, the presentation offered valuable insights into potential solutions to bridge these gaps effectively.

The findings underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in driving positive change within the microfinance landscape. It became evident that by pooling resources and expertise, the Microfuture project partners are not only addressing existing challenges but also paving the way for innovative solutions to emerge through the presentation of best practices. At the end of the partners' presentations of their good practices in the microfinance field, all partners voted for the best practice. Many excellent practices were showcased, with some holding promise for implementation in other partner countries.

Additionally, during the conference held by the Department of Seine Saint Denis on the 15th of May, Microfuture project partners had the opportunity to meet Nobel Prize winner and founder of Grameen Bank, Muhammad Yunus, who has been offering loans to the most vulnerable communities living on the brink of poverty for 50 years, starting a Grameen Bank. His pioneering work inspired the creation of the Microfuture project. The conference brought together many important personalities, including directors of banks, funds, successful entrepreneurs, and local authorities, all contributing to the development of the microfinance sector.

On the 16th, participants had the opportunity to visit the small local workshop "Boutique-Ecole," a social enterprise that collaborates with local artists and craftsmen, who are also part of marginalized target groups for social inclusion. The store provided handmade products, served coffee to customers, and is connected with local companies, uses upcycled materials, and provides opportunities for craftsmen and artists using their workshop and machines.

Afterward, participants visited "La Ferme des Possibles," run by Novaedia. The director, also serving as the mayor of the Seine Saint Denis region in Paris, presented information about their work and how they provide jobs to vulnerable groups, mostly including impaired individuals and the undereducated.

As the meeting concluded, partners left with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to continue their collaborative efforts. The commitment to empowering communities and promoting sustainable development through microfinance remains unwavering.