The Co-Operative Movement

The Canadian Co-Operative Association (CCA) runs a coaching program that enlists the help of skilled employees from Canadian institutions to provide technical expertise to partner organizations in various countries in Asia, Africa and the Americas.

This year, I have been selected as one of eight credit union professionals from across Canada to travel to Mongolia. We will visit urban and rural credit unions to share our skills and experience to help our partners succeed.

The CCA shares the experience and strength of the Canadian co-operative movement to form relationships with partners around the world sharing common values.

Co-operatives are an effective tool in helping people living in poverty in developing countries to make sustainable improvements to their lives and living conditions.

Credit unions are making a difference because they promote savings, are community owned, have a democratic structure and provide a range of services.

 Mongolia Fast Facts

·         Population: 3.2 million (27% < 14 years old, 69% between 15 – 64 years old & 4% over 65 years)

·         Horse to human ratio:  13-1

·         GDP per capita: $4,500

·         Literacy Rate: 98%

·         Voter turnout: 85%

·         Main exports: Copper, wool, cashmere, leather

·         Ulaanbattaar is the coldest capital city in the world

·         There are approximately 23,400 credit union members in Mongolia