Traditional microfinance has been highly successful in providing credit to the working poor, but it often struggles to reach the most vulnerable—those living in extreme poverty who lack the basic assets and stability to even take on a loan. Graduation programs are a holistic, time-bound approach designed to bridge this gap, providing a sequenced package of interventions that empower the "ultra-poor" to graduate into a life of self-reliance. This model moves beyond financial services to address the multidimensional nature of poverty, combining consumption support, asset transfers, skills training, and social empowerment to create a sustainable pathway out of destitution. By integrating these four pillars, it helps participants build the foundation they need to eventually become successful and resilient microfinance clients.

This course provides a comprehensive and practical guide to designing, implementing, and scaling sustainable graduation programs. You will learn the strategic and operational considerations required to execute a multi-faceted intervention, from targeting the right households to measuring long-term impact. By exploring the proven methodologies of global leaders in the field, this program will equip you to create lasting change for the most marginalized populations, ensuring they not only escape poverty but also build the capacity to thrive independently in the formal economy.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Microfinance institution (MFI) managers and executives
• Humanitarian aid and development professionals
• Financial inclusion and poverty alleviation specialists
• Social entrepreneurs and startup founders
• Government and policy advisors on social protection
• Professionals in charge of monitoring and evaluation
• Researchers in poverty dynamics and economic development
• Non-governmental organization (NGO) staff
• Consultants in social sector programs

Objectives:

• Master the core concepts and principles of the Graduation Approach.
• Understand the four key pillars of a successful graduation program.
• Learn how to effectively target and identify the "ultra-poor."
• Grasp the mechanics of asset transfers and consumption support.
• Understand the role of coaching and mentorship in building confidence and skills.
• Learn how to design a sustainable and scalable program model.
• Grasp the legal and regulatory frameworks surrounding grant-based programs.
• Explore strategies for measuring the long-term impact on participants.
• Understand the importance of partnerships and a collaborative ecosystem.
• Analyze successful case studies and lessons learned from the field.

Module 1: Foundations of the Graduation Approach

• Defining the "ultra-poor" and the poverty trap
• The history and evolution of the Graduation model
• The four key pillars: social protection, financial inclusion, livelihoods, and social empowerment
• The time-bound and holistic nature of the model
• Case studies of global pioneers in graduation programs

Module 2: Targeting the Ultra-Poor

• Methodologies for identifying and selecting target households
• The role of community-based wealth ranking
• Using household surveys and data for verification
• The importance of a clear and transparent targeting process
• Ethical considerations in targeting vulnerable populations

Module 3: Social Protection and Consumption Support

• The importance of stabilizing household consumption
• Different models of consumption support (cash vs. in-kind)
• The link between social protection and long-term success
• Designing a stipend that meets basic needs
• The timing and duration of consumption support

Module 4: Livelihoods Promotion and Asset Transfer

• The strategic role of a productive asset
• The "big push" concept of asset transfer
• The different types of assets and their suitability
• The link between market analysis and asset selection
• The role of an asset transfer in kick-starting a business

Module 5: Financial Inclusion and Capability

• The importance of a savings component from the start
• Connecting participants to formal financial services
• Providing financial literacy and business training
• The role of financial planning and budgeting
• How graduation prepares clients for formal microfinance

Module 6: Coaching and Social Empowerment

• The role of the coach as a mentor and motivator
• The importance of regular, consistent coaching visits
• Building self-confidence and life skills
• Fostering social integration and community support
• The art and science of effective coaching

Module 7: Operations and Implementation

• Building a team with the right skills and empathy
• Designing a phased and sequenced implementation plan
• Managing the logistics of asset transfers and stipends
• The importance of a robust data collection system
• Overcoming operational challenges in the field

Module 8: Monitoring and Impact Measurement

• Defining "graduation" and setting clear criteria
• The importance of collecting baseline and endline data
• Using a Theory of Change to guide evaluation
• Measuring both financial and social outcomes
• The long-term sustainability of the impact

Module 9: Partnerships and Policy

• The importance of collaborating with governments and NGOs
• Leveraging existing social protection systems
• The role of policy advocacy and influencing the environment
• Building a collaborative ecosystem for poverty alleviation
• Navigating the regulatory and legal landscape

Module 10: Scaling and Sustainability

• The challenges and opportunities of scaling a graduation program
• Adapting the model for different contexts and populations
• The role of technology in automating and scaling
• The long-term financial sustainability of the approach
• The future of graduation programs in the global development agenda

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.