Camlin Credit Union chief visits Ghana

He shared his expertise, knowledge, and skills with his credit union counterparts in the country.

Liam said: “I can’t believe how much I enjoyed the experience. We were made welcome everywhere we went. I was really humbled by the people that we met in Ghana. They have so little and yet they are some of the happiest people I have ever met.”

Liam travelled to Ghana, accompanied by other Irish Credit Union personnel and visited a number of rural credit unions to provide much needed training and advice.

“Our credit union began a lot like some of the ones we visited, from study groups to fully operating establishments, so I identified well with them. I hope that the knowledge we provided to them will enable them to better serve their communities”.

Camlin Credit Union, in partnership with the Irish League of Credit Unions International Development Foundation, which is the charitable arm of the Irish credit union movement, aims to alleviate poverty through the credit union model, by allowing some of the poorest communities in Ghana access to basic savings and loans facilities.

“One gentleman told me that it’s not what’s in your pocket that counts, but what’s in your mind, no one can take that away from you,” Liam concluded.

Alan Moore, General Manager of the Foundation said: “Liam has been given this opportunity due to the immense generosity and support of credit unions across Northern Ireland.

“This two week volunteering role allows Liam to observe how credit unions operate in West Africa and how his competences can help develop credit unions. This programme would not be possible without the support of Camlin Credit Union; the Foundation would like to take this opportunity to thank them and over 100 Northern Ireland credit unions for their continued support.”