Chaitanya

Voluntary Opportunities at Chaitanya

Developing Open Source Software for Microfinance Operations:

Having a robust software is essential for any microfinance organization. There are various open source initiatives for the microfinance sector which are being undertaken across the world. Chaitanya is looking for a volunteer who can look at the various open source software available (ex. www.mifos.org ), understand the microfinance operations of Chaitanya and work towards implementing the appropriate open source software for Chaitanya’s microfinance operations.

Financial Inclusion:

Chaitanya’s working area is Jaglur town in Davangere district of Karnataka. Jaglur is 230 km from Bangalore . At Jaglur Chaitanya currently (end Nov 2009) has 155 microcredit customers and in a year’s time is expected to have around ten thousand customers. In addition to micro credit, there is a demand for savings which is currently not being met by the existing banks. Today, NGO’s can provide savings services by being a Bank Correspondent. To be an effective bank correspondent requires using technology, especially mobile based technology. Chaitanya is looking for a volunteer who can come up with the appropriate technology solution for Chaitanya to become a bank correspondent and implement the same at Jaglur.    

Employability, Skills and Entrepreneurship Training:

Chaitanya’s area of operations, Jaglur is a typical rural location. There are a number of unemployed youth in the area. Chaitanya is looking for a volunteer who can study the problem and come up with a plan to provide them with the necessary training to make them employable or entrepreneurs.