Nairobi, 2010

Come with MFI Connect to Kenya this spring!

In coordination with Sam Daley-Harris, director of The Microcredit Summit Campaign, we are working to bring a delegation of passionate students to the 2010 Africa/Middle East Regional Microcredit Summit from April 5 - April 11, 2010.

The MFI Connect experience includes field visits, panel sessions, workshops, brushing shoulders with inspiring microfinance professionals, and the chance for MFI Connect members to meet and work together as students supporting microfinance. MFI Connect is also working with Sam Daley-Harris to create a special student session with Muhammad Yunus and Ingrid Monroe. The more students can come, the more likely we'll be able to hold this session!

For more information, see www.microcreditsummit.org.
Check out their YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/MicrocreditSummit.
Or contact us at mficonnect.nairobi2010@gmail.com

If you are interested in attending with MFI Connect, you need to...

a) e-mail mficonnect.nairobi2010@gmail.com with your name, school or organization
b) register for the conference ($300-400 fee) (Note: registration is not open yet.)
c) book flights and accommodations
d) sign up for any field visits that you're interested in (Note: registration is not open yet. There is an additional $25 fee.)

If you are looking for funding, we suggest...

a) that you speak with your schools. Click here for a letter of endorsement for all students signed by the Director of the Microcredit Summit Campaign, Sam Daily-Harris, Nobel-Peace Prize winner, Muhammad Yunus, and Founder of Jamii Bora, Ingrid Monroe.
b) look for private support. Ask you friends and friends' parents to support part of you trip.
c) enter the Race4Change competition. Race4Change, a fundraising campaign for The Microcredit Summit Campaign, is awarding two flights, accommodations, and tickets to the conference to whoever can raise the most awareness and funds for their campaign. See www.race4change.com for more details.

A suggested budget is listed below:

Total: $2,200
Flights: (USA, east coast) $1200-$1400 (USA, west coast) $1400-$1600
Accommodations/night: $75 - $400
Registration: $300 - $400
Miscellaneous, Food, Transport, Etc.: $0 - $200
Field visits: $25

Program Itinerary

Monday, April 5th
MFI Connect delegates arrive*
MFI Connect meet and greet*
Explore Nairobi and MFI Connect dinner

Tuesday, April 6th
MFI Connect delegates arrive*
MFI Connect meet and greet*
Field visits with the Microcredit Summit Campaign to local microfinance banks including Jamii Bora, Kenya Women's Finance Trust, K-Rep, Equity Bank, and Faulu.
MFI Connect drinks*

Wednesday, April 7th
First day of the 2010 Africa/Middle East Regional Microcredit Summit! (9:00 - 18:00)
- Opening ceremony
- Lunch
- Plenary Session (This is a panel discussion, performance, and/or video.)
- Workshops (These are smaller discussions on specific issues within microfinance led by microfinance professionals.)
- Associated Sessions (These are presentations and question/answer panels hosted by microfinance organizations regarding their own programs.)
(See MFI Connect travel recommendations for dinner)
MFI Connect Student Brainstorm* (21:00 - 23:00)

Thursday, April 8th
Second day of the 2010 Africa/Middle East Regional Microcredit Summit! (9:00 - 18:00)
- Plenary Session
- Lunch
- Plenary Session
- Workshops
- Associated Sessions
(See MFI Connect travel recommendations for dinner/evening.)

Friday, April 9th
Third day of the 2010 Africa/Middle East Regional Microcredit Summit! (9:00 - 20:00)
- Plenary Session
- Workshops
- Lunch
- Plenary Session
- Break
- Plenary Session
- Workshops
- Associated Sessions
(See MFI Connect travel recommendations for dinner/evening.)

Saturday, April 10th
Final day of the 2010 Africa/Middle East Regional Microcredit Summit! (9:00 - 22:00)
- Day-long courses and field visits
- Lunch
- Day-long courses and field visits continue
- Closing ceremony and dinner
MFI Connect drinks*

Sunday, April 11th
Post-summit field visits
MFI Connect delegates depart
(*events planned and hosted by MFI Connect. These events are not planned or officially endorsed by The Microcredit Summit Campaign.)

Related Opportunities

Nominate a Panellist
The Microcredit Summit Campaign is seeking nominations for top plenary and workshop panellists for the Africa - Middle East Regional Microcredit Summit. To nominate a panellist, please complete the following form (available at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=PfBN5CRpzTQVOSAlZpBC8Q_3d_3d) no later than Thursday, November 19, 2009. Please consider that the Summit seeks nominations for panellists knowledgeable in the Africa/Middle East region.

Race4Change
Race4Change is a fundraising campaign for The Microcredit Summit Campaign. Steven Funk and Jean-Louis Juchault will be racing the East African Classic (a cross-country car race) this November and are looking to raise awareness and support through their drive. In reward for whoever helps raise the more funds and awareness, they will give away two free flights, accommodations, and tickets to the conference. For more information, see www.race4change.com.

Contact and Discussion

If you have any questions, please contact...mficonnect.nairobi2010@gmail.com
Also, join our Nairobi 2010 discussion forum to comment or share ideas.
Disclaimer: MFIConnect is not responsible for the safety or well-bring of students attending the Nairobi Microcredit Summit.