NANAIMO, B.C.–Coastal Community Credit Union here hosted two credit union leaders from Africa as part of a women’s mentorship program.
The 10-day program was developed by the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada. CCCU has 24 branches across the islands of British Columbia and the two women spent time at different branches.
Chantal Uwamariya, the manager of Cooperative of Progress and Financing Ineza in Muhanga, Rwanda, and Nwamaka Peter, manager of Vizoko Thrift and Credit Co-operative Society Ltd. in Abuja, Nigeria, participated in the mentorship program.
Uwamariya’s credit union started with a single employee and has now grown to a staff of 21 and four branches in two districts, according to a statement.
Sheri Gauthier, manager of workplace planning and talent management at CCCU, said Peter and Uwamariya have the same goals for their members as CCCU has for its: improving financial health for members and serving the community. Peter and Uwamariya are trying to grow their credit unions while managing risk, which is an area they focused on during their visit, Coastal Community CU said.
During their time in British Columbia the pair met with the board and CEO of CCCU and attended branch manager meetings, shadowed employees, and surveyed a mid-year planning session in human resources. The job shadow included loan portfolios, reducing loan delinquency, leadership, governance and marketing.
Gauthier said CCCU gets as much out of the program, “growing relationships in the global community and an exchange of perspectives.”
As part of the program the two women stayed with host families.