Seeing SICREDI in action
YPs get a glimpse at how Brazilian credit union makes a difference in community, members’ lives.
An agricultural community and a family-owned dairy farm turned into a classroom last week for a group of young professionals learning how SICREDI makes an impact in members’ lives.
The 14 credit union representatives are in Brazil as part of the of the World Council of Credit Unions’ Young Professional Exchange. They left Curitiba and traveled about two hours west to Ponta Grossa.
Before visiting the farm on Thursday, the group visited the SICREDI Campos Gerias to learn about its operations and how it serves members in the region.
“This provides the group the opportunity to see firsthand what member service is in a typical branch location, talk about the collaborative structure of SICREDI, and why it’s important for them to be able to better serve their members,” says Thom Belekevich, World Council program manager.
Then it was on to Castrolanda, an agricultural cooperative that is connected with and receives financing from SICREDI. The visit was a chance for exchange participants to see how SICREDI works with cooperatives in the communities it serves and to find ways U.S. credit unions can better serve members by working with co-ops, Belekevich says.
The day wrapped up with a visit to a local dairy farmer, who is a member of both the agricultural co-op and SICREDI. A family-owned business, the farmer was able to implement a new milking system as a result of financing he received from SICREDI.
► Visit CUNA News for more coverage of the World Council of Credit Unions Young Professional Exchange in Curitiba, Brazil.
CUNA’s Kristin Ryan poses with school children who performed a Dutch dance.
The Dutch were some of the first Europeans to settle in Brazil.
Castrolanda is an agricultural cooperative that receives financing from SICREDI.
Two products Castrolanda produces are chocolate and strawberry milk, as well as other products.
The group visited a dairy farm while in Castrolanda.
This farmer received funding from SICREDI for new milking technology.
On its final day in Brazil, the group visited Vila Velha State Park.