A transformative journey: the ILO's financial education training of trainers programme

During the last two weeks of November, I had the privilege of participating in the ILO’s financial education training of trainers (ToT) programme, an experience that exceeded my expectations and left an indelible mark on my professional development. Having already collaborated with the Social Finance team earlier in the year as a financial education technical associate, I was already acquainted with the ToT's significance within the broader mission of the ILO’s Global Programme on Financial Education. However, as I learned, there is a distinction between understanding the details of a training programme and its goals through reading about it and undergoing the experience first-hand.

As a financial education professional specializing in helping busy working mothers manage their personal finances, the convergence of adult learning and financial education is a focal point of my professional interests. The two-week intensive online training, facilitated by ILO Financial Education-certified international trainer Gustavo Prepelitchi, provided an unparalleled platform for me to delve into these twin passions.

The cohort I joined in November was truly international with participants hailing from Botswana, Cameroon, India, Nepal, South Africa, Uganda and beyond. The shared commitment to the course, whether geared towards learning more about the ILO’s materials and methodology, or aspiring for ILO certification, created a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere. Representing a wide array of professions, attendees included professionals from fields such as finance, insurance, business and education.

The programme is hands-on and demands active involvement from all participants."

After a brief introduction to the principles of adult learning and the ILO's specific approach to participatory training, we received practical training on various digital tools to encourage participation when delivering the training online. Before the first week was out, we were expected to co-deliver segments of the programme and provide constructive feedback to peers. Time was allocated to prepare these micro sessions and Gustavo was always available to offer support and advice.

The materials provided were nothing short of exceptional, ranging from the comprehensive trainer’s manual to a trainee’s booklet and digital adaptation guidelines. The participatory methodology was evident from the outset, demanding active involvement from us as participants. There was no chance to hide behind a screen in these sessions.

The trainer's energy, empathy and meticulous attention to detail transformed the online sessions into a very compelling adult learning experience."

While I had some familiarity with ILO's training materials and methodology through prior collaboration, experiencing them first-hand gave me a completely new perspective and appreciation for the work that goes into creating such detailed, fun and tailored content. The trainee’s booklet, always thoughtfully adapted to local contexts, stood out for its relatability and relevance. The character illustrations bring the case studies to life and give them an easy-to-follow comic book quality. Gustavo's energy, empathy, and meticulous attention to detail transformed the online sessions into some of the most compelling adult learning experiences I have encountered.

Plenty of time was given to feedback too, from both Gustavo and fellow trainees. The feedback loop, expertly facilitated by Gustavo, is a cornerstone of the learning process. Constructive feedback, shared as 'little gifts,' proved invaluable in refining our delivery and enhancing the overall quality of our training. The commitment to improvement was palpable in the group.

These two weeks were an invaluable investment in our professional journeys."

In the span of just two weeks, the transformation among the cohort of trainers was truly remarkable. Witnessing the collective growth in our delivery skills, confidence levels and mastery of digital tools was nothing short of impressive. The immersive nature of the training, coupled with hands-on experience in crafting and delivering sessions, accelerated our development as trainers. The collaborative environment fostered by Gustavo created a space where each participant, regardless of their starting point, made significant strides in refining their training techniques and their understanding of financial education topics. As we navigated the intricacies of the programme, I do not think any of us could have anticipated the extent to which we would evolve as trainers, making these two weeks an invaluable investment in our professional journeys.

In conclusion, the online ToT offered by the ILO is a transformative journey that combines quality materials, a participatory methodology and a global community committed to advancing financial education. Whether you are a representative of a public or regulatory authority looking to enhance your training skills, a financial service provider committed to supporting vulnerable populations or an instructor from a microfinance institution, this course is tailored to meet your needs. It will equip you with everything you need to confidently deliver financial education to your end beneficiaries.

To be certified as a financial educator by the ILO, successfully completing the ToT is, however, only the first step. To advance in their certification journey, candidates are expected to conduct three subsequent training sessions for their audiences. Upon submission of evidence demonstrating successful course delivery aligned with the stipulated quality standards, participants will be awarded certification by the International Training Centre of the ILO. The anticipated time commitment for this phase is approximately 75 hours and should be completed within 12 months of finishing the ToT.

Find out more about the financial education ToT programme and its full certification process.