Over the past 30 years, the world has made great strides in the eradication of worldwide poverty. In fact, according to a World Bank report, 751 million fewer people are living in extreme poverty compared to 1981. While we are clearly making huge strides, the report also found that the quality of life for those living in poverty is as bad today as it was in 1981. Fortunately, we have greatly decreased the amount of hungry people in the world: Since 1990, the number has dropped by 152 million people. But that’s small consolation when 842 million people around the world still do not have enough to eat every day.

Opportunity International is proud to be a part of the change as we celebrate World Hunger Day on Wednesday and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on Thursday. We support farmers, budding entrepreneurs, education initiatives and women in the countries where hunger and poverty run rampant. We believe that by giving people a small loan along with the professional skills they require, they can lift themselves out of poverty.

Read some of our clients’ amazing stories.