2024 Alumni CPDP Blog: Burak Akar’s story 

The continuation of this blog series will focus on the highlights from the recent Alumni of the 2024 Cash Practitioner Development Programme, allowing practitioners to share what they have learnt and experienced during their Cash School learning deployments.

The Cash Practitioner Development Programme aims to expand the ready pool of cash experts available to deliver humanitarian cash assistance, and to strengthen the community of qualified practitioners with up-to-date skills in all areas of cash assistance. Cash deployments are a key element of participants learning schedules, these deployments aim to enhance skills and confidence in implementing cash based assistance. Some deployments are run in partnership with NORCAP, with practitioners accessing deployment opportunities from a range of humanitarian agencies.

What was your experience with cash prior to undertaking the CPDP training program? 

Before joining the CPDP program, I had been actively supporting the delivery of IFRC Türkiye and Turkish Red Crescent’s CVA projects, particularly in response to the refugee crisis and the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. This gave me valuable hands-on exposure to implementing large-scale cash programmes in complex emergency settings.

What motivated you to pursue the CPDP program and expand your knowledge in cash operations?

What drew me most to the CPDP was its unique blend of theory and practice, brought together in one well-structured programme. I was especially excited about the deployment opportunities, both challenging and rewarding, which allow developing CVA practitioners to gain first-hand experience of international deployments and learn how cash is implemented in diverse contexts.

Where did you go during your deployment phase?

I was deployed to Lao PDR and Lithuania, both through IFRC offices. Each deployment included in-country and remote support phases, which gave me the chance to contribute in different ways while adapting to varying operational realities.

Can you share a particularly memorable or rewarding experience from your time in the CPDP program?

One of the most eye-opening experiences for me was exploring the different financial systems in both countries. Comparing the available FSP solutions, delivery mechanisms, and people’s relationships with the banking system across such different contexts deepened my understanding of how CVA must adapt to local realities.

Equally rewarding was building strong relationships with IFRC and National Society colleagues, having my deliverables approved by management, and seeing that my contributions directly supported CVA delivery and positively impacted vulnerable communities.

What advice would you offer to someone just beginning the CPDP program? 

Enjoy the journey. Take full advantage of meetings with your mentor, as their guidance is invaluable (shout-out to Nicole!). And make the most of your deployment experiences as you will look back and miss the unique challenges and excitement of those moments.

How do you feel your career has progressed since completing the program? 

The programme significantly strengthened my understanding of CVA implementation. It exposed me to areas I was less familiar with, pushing me out of my comfort zone and supporting both my professional and personal growth.

Just as importantly, the CPDP allowed me to connect with colleagues from across the globe. These exchanges broadened my perspective and helped me appreciate the diversity of contexts in which CVA operates.

What trends or developments do you anticipate in the future of cash?

I see further digitalization as a key trend. With the rapid development of technology and AI, the financial sector is transforming, and humanitarian CVA must evolve alongside it. Strengthening collaboration with the private sector will be essential. At the same time, we must remain mindful that solutions are not one-size-fits-all; what works in one context may not be suitable in another.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your CPDP journey?

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the British Red Cross, Cash Hub, and Cash School teams for this opportunity and for their invaluable support throughout the programme. Their professional and personal investment in advancing CVA has made a real difference, not only to me but to the wider community of practitioners.