Microfinance

Microfinance is a powerful tool in the anti-poverty toolkit to help people in challenging economic conditions have a more prosperous life. This course...

Microfinance and Financial Inclusion

Microfinance is a powerful tool in the anti-poverty toolkit to help people in challenging economic conditions have a more prosperous life. This course addresses how small improvements can be made and takes a comprehensive look at microfinance and its impact on people and societies. After forming a solid understanding of the various solutions offered under the microfinance umbrella (credit, savings, insurance), the class examines opportunities for domestic and international microfinance initiatives. Students actively participate in the microfinance experience by lending to an actual business owner of their choice, analyzing real-time case studies from around the globe, and interacting with Boston-area microfinance professionals and beneficiaries. Additionally, in partnership with the nonprofit Human Connections, the instructor, Adam Grenier, leads an optional experiential learning trip to Latin America to complement the classroom curriculum.

Program At-a-Glance

Areas of Study

Area Studies

Project Implementation

Global Security

Global Research

Year Founded

2019

Microfinance Gallery

Students will be analyzing real-time case studies from around the globe and interacting Boston-area financial professionals and beneficiaries.
Newly offered IGL class, Microfinance and Financial Inclusion taught by Adam Grenier
Students will have the opportunity for an in-depth experience with microfinance by lending money through Kiva, a micro-finance loan organization, to a business owner of their choice.
Marsha Mendes of The Fletcher School spoke with students about the overlap between language, development, and finance, specifically as it pertains to her research in Guinea-Bissau on local saving and spending patterns.
Guest speaker Guy Stuart talks about Microfinance in Kenya and how they use M-Pesa, a phone-based money transfer service.
Guest speaker Ivan Mbowa talks about how Tala allows people without a credit history to take out loans immediately. He focuses his discussion on the necessity for this type of service and especially how it is helping Kenyans.
Microfinance Students engage in a discussion with guest speaker Guy Stuart.