Using a web 2.0 software platform called "KARL" (named after Karl Popper), created by the Open Society Institute, people interested in microfinance capacity building can converse and share materials with one another.  Using KARL, the MFMI has established a series of Communities of Practice, or discussion groups of people involved in thinking about and working on common professional challenges.

The MFMI is sponsoring these communities on a variety of topics related to exchange programs in microfinance, curricula development, global trends in microfinance, regional trends (Latin America, Asia, Africa, etc.), networking among alumnae of training courses, and other topics of interest to the global network.

Increasingly, the MFMI is encouraging its network of members to join and share in one unified community of practice named, in KARL, "Microfinance Capacity Building Network."  Any affiliates or interested faculty or trainers who wish to joining this network should contact the MFMI.  Discussion threads involve regional trainings, regional microfinance conferences, fellowship programs, where to find microfinance teaching cases (case-banks), and how the 2009 economic downturn may affect MFI capacities.

Each community allows participants to learn across borders via online (web-based) blog, wiki collaboration, file sharing, calendars and member profiles.

Members of the network from around the world can view images and profiles of one another.

Anyone interested in joining these discussions can request more information about the communities and how to join by writing to info@themfmi.org

For assistance with learning how to use KARL, download this short guide from the MFMI.  Please let us know if this fails to address any of your questions.

The KARL software platform, which allows extensive discussion among communities, can be piloted by other organizations.  To explore its potential use for your organization, please contact the MFMI for leads in OSI.