| SWAMI's 5th graduation held |
SWAMI is a comprehensive three-tiered training program for SACCO management, senior staff, department managers, those aspiring to positions of management and board members. It provides valuable leadership skills and lessons as a strategic step toward career advancement. SWAMI is offered at SU under the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE). SWAMI's curriculum includes modules on financial management, marketing, information technology, PEARLS, governance, and the development of budget, business and marketing plans. Students complete exercises at the end of each module to measure/evaluate their comprehension of the topic. A student who wishes to move on to the next tier must complete a comprehensive assignment which includes a budget and business plan, and presentation of the plans in a final presentation with board members. Upon completion of all three tiers, management students graduate and receive the prestigious Certified SACCO Professional (CSP) designation, the hallmark of professional SACCO achievement, and a diploma. Board member students receive a SWAMI pin and certificate from Strathmore University and WOCCU. Developed by the World Council of Credit Unions and Strathmore University, SWAMI was made possible by a grant from CUNA Mutual Group Foundation and funded from the US Agency for International Development. The involvement of the Louisiana Credit Union League (LCUL), the state trade association for credit unions (SACCOs) in the planning and implementation of the program was also instrumental to its success. Scholarships for the program were made available through the generosity of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association, Louisiana Credit Union League, the African American Credit Union Coalition, the American Heritage Federal Credit Union, and Southeast Region Credit Union Schools (SRCUS). Certified SACCO Professional Programme graduates:
SACCO Committee Leadership Programme graduates:
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The 5th Strathmore-WOCCU African Management Institute (SWAMI) graduation ceremony was held on Saturday, 10th November at Strathmore University. 20 Savings and Credit Co-Operative (SACCO) professionals and eight board members from seven African countries graduated at the ceremony.