2013 was an inspiring year. In this blog series, the 12 Days of Opportunity, we are celebrating the accomplishments made possible by our caring and generous community of partners and supporters. Because of you, our clients are working their way out of poverty, strengthening their families and building vibrant communities in 22 countries around the world.

In April of 2013 Opportunity International supporters joined together with like-minded individuals around the world to walk in someone else’s shoes. For 5 days they lived below the line, committing to spend only $1.50 a day to eat and drink. Through The Global Poverty Project’s annual Live Below the Line challenge they came to better understand the challenges that Opportunity International clients face every day. 

Join us as we revisit the stories of those who took the challenge and reexamine how the challenge changed how they view the world.

Why I'm Giving Up Choices for a Week
by Lauren Hawley
In a few weeks, I’m going to take the Live Below the Line challenge. For five days, I’ll spend just $1.50 each day on food to raise funds and awareness for the 1.4 billion people worldwide who have to live below the extreme poverty line every day. Continue Reading 

Why I'm Living Below the Line
by Allison Kooser
At my desk at the Opportunity International office, I have surrounded myself with words and images that inspire me. There are photos of my friends and family—people who have provided for me, supported me, and challenged me to become the person I am today. Continue Reading

Redefining Food Choices - Living Below the Line
by Allison Altdoerffer
I consider myself to be a very thrifty shopper. I buy in bulk, keep an eye out for special markdowns and cut costs by threading similar ingredients across my weekly menu. So when our local YAO chapter decided to take the Live Below the Line challenge last year, committing to spend less than $1.50 a day on food and drink in honor of the 1.4 billion people living under $1.50 a day every day, I felt pretty certain I’d topple the feat with ease. Continue Reading

Why I am Living Below the Line
by Ashley Luse
Consider this encouraging statistic: The share of people living in extreme poverty in the developing world has been halved in the last 2 decades (from 43 percent in 1990 to 21 percent in 2010). Truly exciting. Continue Reading