As the new Latin America and Caribbean PPI specialist for Grameen Foundation, I have just completed-- and helped facilitate-- my first Training of Trainers course in San Salvador, El Salvador. During the last few weeks, Mary Jo Kochendorfer and I have been preparing all the materials for the sessions while I learn as much as possible about the PPI. The training was coordinated by Central American microfinance network REDCAMIF, and hosted by ASOMI, the microfinance network in El Salvador. The participants were a group of consultants who work closely with members of various national associations in Central America on social performance managerment (SPM). They will have the important role of introducing the PPI to microfinance institutions (MFIs) interested in poverty measurement. So our first objective was to train the participants in the value and knowledge of using the PPI so they would feel more confident supporting MFIs in the process of using the tool.

Most of our participants had worked with their countries’ MFIs through the CRS-MISIÓN Project, which encourages MFIs to measure social performance and report those results. The commitment of the MISION Project to carrying out these goals was clear at the training. Jack Burga, the CRS-MISION director, and Tomás Rodríguez, coordinator of the program for Central America and México, participated. Jack told the group how investors are now looking for MFIs that can demonstrate strong financial performance with measurable social performance results. Tomás highlighted the importance of the PPI as a tool for targeting clients, measuring outreach to the poor and designing products focused on meeting the needs of the poorest clients. The clear support of Jack and Tomás resonated with the participants and demonstrated how
the region is truly prioritizing social performance and
transparent poverty measurement.