RALEIGH, N.C.–Local Government Federal Credit Union has made a $50,000 to The ACCOSCA Academy in Kenya, which is aimed at improving improve African communities through credit union professional education.
The ACCOSCA Academy is a project of African Confederation of Cooperative Savings & Credit Associations (ACCOSCA) that will provide employees of African SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperatives) to participate in education and training. According to organizers, the Academy will increase competencies at all levels, prepare leaders, and will introduce new ideas and effective problem-solving strategies.
Efforts are currently underway to raise $1.2 million for The ACCOSCA Academy.
“The Cooperative Principle that promotes cooperation among cooperatives does not just apply to our local neighborhoods. We are all connected in one worldwide community. Our support of the ACCOSCA Academy benefits all cultures, communities and cooperatives,” said Maurice Smith, CEO of LGFCU.
Organizers, who continue to raise funds for the ACCOSCA Academy, said it will meet the socio-economic needs of African villages and cities, neighborhoods and nations through the SACCO network of institutions. Working with government and development agencies, research institutions, companies and individuals, The ACCOSCA Academy, National Associations, and SACCOs are “committed to directly serving African people not generally served by the formal financial sector,” organizers added.
‘First of its Kind’
Added Lois Kitsch, chairperson of the African Cooperative Development Foundation (ACDF), who is working to develop programs and projects to support the Academy, “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.” The ACCOSCA Academy mission of “helping Africa achieve its economic potential and giving Africans a better place to live and work.”
PS Ali Noor Ismail, principal secretary with the State Department for Cooperatives in Nairobi, Kenya said the government acknowledges being made
by ACCOSCA in spearheading policy development and technical assistance at both national and continental level.
Government Support
“With ACCOSCA’s dream to launch a center of excellence for cooperatives coming to fruition, I am confident of the sector’s growth and vibrancy now and into the future,” said Noor. “We acknowledge the efforts being made to establish ACCOSCA Academy. Its contribution in supporting and improving Sacco/Credit Union regulatory position will be impactful.”
The ACCOSCA Academy will reach SACCO staff, management, board members, regulators, and community members in 27 African countries representing more than 750 million consumers and has already received incredible financial support from African SACCOs.
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/