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NCUF, WOCCU launch international DE program

WASHINGTON (8/29/08)--The National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF), in partnership with World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), has launched a new international designation in NCUF's Development Education (DE) program.

The new program, first announced at WOCCU's World Credit Union Conference in Hong Kong, will certify its first class at WOCCU's 2009 World Credit Union Conference, scheduled for July 26-29 in Barcelona, Spain.

Charles Sim, a director for Scotwest CU, Glasgow, Scotland, distributed school supplies to needy children near Nabon, Ecuador, during a 2007 World Council of Credit Unions educational initiative. (Photo provided by the World Council of Credit Unions)

Charles Sim, a director with Scotwest CU in Glasgow, Scotland, plans to be among the first to receive the DE designation. The retired firefighter and longtime credit union volunteer views the new program as a way to promote and enhance global credit union development, and further extend the DE program's reach to other countries.

"After seeing WOCCU's field work 'at coal face,' as we say in Scotland, I value the importance of WOCCU's programs to the developing world," Sim said. "I am looking forward to being in the first group to receive this certification, and I've already begun work on my independent study project."

The DE program, which links U.S. credit union advocates with the movement's philosophical roots through interactive group presentations and experiential learning, supports credit unions' global initiatives through volunteer projects and international exchanges.

"It's a logical extension to where the DE program has been. We greatly appreciate WOCCU's continued support in helping direct the program's future on the international front," said Tom Decker, NCUF's director of social impact management.

International candidates must complete four steps to achieve an international DE designation:

• Complete their local DE program to build a solid foundation;
• Attend WOCCU's Hispanic Marketing Immersion Program;
• Attend either WOCCU's World Credit Union Conference or participate in another country's DE program. In addition to the U.S. DE program, other affiliated programs operate in the United Kingdom, in the Philippines and through the Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions, WOCCU's Asian affiliate organization headquartered in Thailand; and
• Complete an independent studies project appropriate to the learning objectives of the same programs.

WOCCU expects the relationship to foster greater awareness of the impact of credit unions worldwide, explained Pete Crear, WOCCU president/CEO. Greater exposure of DE students to the global credit union movement also will enhance their educational opportunities and foster international credit union support and growth, he said.

"Our goal has always been to build bridges among global credit union movements and we're pleased to have so many enthusiastic emissaries to help us in our mission going forward," Crear said.

WOCCU has been a long-time supporter of NCUF and its DE program. The program has received additional support from the Credit Union National Association and CUNA Mutual Group.

Resource Links

World Council of Credit Unions

National Credit Union Foundation DE Program