Most schools in developing economies do not offer any financial education. Those who do, offer it as an optional course. Those who do, like India's CBSE offer an overview of financial markets and share capital.

Last year alone, according to Business Today, more than 15 million Indians borrowed about $1.45 billion in micro loans. These numbers will only grow. It occurs to me that even as a micro loan revolution is sweeping emerging markets and indeed, the world, microfinance institutions (MFIs) could be losing out on a massive opportunity.

MFIs, as an industry, could sponsor a course on financial education in schools, particularly in rural areas. I believe that many Indians still have a wrong or misguided notion of credit. Perhaps we are influenced in historically believing that borrowing money on a loan is associated with bad circumstance. Likewise, selling an asset is seen as the seller being in dire need. In short, the concept of entrepreneurial capital is alien to us. I recognize that some of this has changed in recent years.

Educating people on the positives of entrepreneurial capital should start at the school level. A more sound understanding of capital and its costs will make these students more employable and less vulnerable to exploitation.

Microfinance organizations have seen scorching growth rates, even in excess of 200%. With such growth, investing in this form of education could prove critical to sustaining the extremely low rates of default.

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The DC chapter of the International Private Enterprise Group will hold its February meeting tomorrow, Thursday February 22. We have reserved the second floor of the Science Club (1136 19th Street, NW - between L and M, just a few blocks from DuPont Circle and Farragut Square) from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Our panel discussion this month centers on the role of private enterprise in delivering healthcare solutions to the BOP. We're glad to welcome Aman Bhandari, Beth Boomgard, and Wayne Farmer as this month's presenters.

Aman Bhandari is a research fellow at the University of Maryland where his research focuses on pharmaceutical policy, health outcomes and health technology assessment. He is passionate about innovations in health care domestically and globally and runs the Technology, Health & Development blog which focuses on documenting global health solutions. He will be discussing a case study of Aurolab which all IPEG attendees are encouraged to read beforehand.

Beth Boomgard works in the Private Sector Health Initiatives Group at AED, the Academy for Educational Development. Beth's presentation will cover her work with AED in the areas of anti-malarial bed nets, reproductive health products and water sanitation.

Wayne Farmer is Vice President of Next Steps Research. He previously served as the Director of the Sustainable Healthcare Enterprise Foundation, which oversees the development of HealthStore franchises in Kenya. He will be discussing the franchised healthcare delivery solutions.

What: International Private Enterprise Group
When: February 22, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Where: Science Club, 1136 19th Street NW

Hope to see you there.