50 Weeks of Opportunity
Each week for the next 50 weeks, we will share a piece of Opportunity’s history—major or minor, sobering or inspiring, we have gotten where we are today by facing some of the world’s greatest challenges, with you by our side. Please join us in celebrating the many impactful moments that have built the foundation on which we will embark on our most audacious vision yet: ending extreme poverty.
50 for 50: Looking Back at 50 Years
With support from this incredible community, we have been unwavering on mission and flexible on implementation for 50 years. We have innovated, pivoted, and grown—while remaining fixed on our ultimate goal: serving families living in poverty.
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50 for 50: Back to the Beginning - David Bussau
This essay is a selection from the special edition of UnPoverty by Mark Lutz. The new edition has been released in celebration of Opportunity International’s 50th Anniversary, featuring new chapters from leaders throughout Opportunity’s history.
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50 for 50: Back to the Beginning: Al Whittaker
This essay is a selection from the special edition of UnPoverty by Mark Lutz. The new edition has been released in celebration of Opportunity International’s 50th Anniversary, featuring new chapters from leaders throughout Opportunity’s history.
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50 for 50: Origin Stories - Africa
This essay is a selection from the special edition of UnPoverty by Mark Lutz. The new edition has been released in celebration of Opportunity International’s 50th Anniversary, featuring new chapters from leaders throughout Opportunity’s history.
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50 for 50: Partnering for Impact
With the support of remarkable individuals, foundations, government partners, and corporations, we have built a robust global community that works together to help families break the cycle of poverty.
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50 for 50: 7 Fundraisers We’ll Never Forget
Through peer-to-peer fundraisers, community giving, and wild challenges, Opportunity supporters have championed our clients, raised money, and become advocates for those living in poverty.
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50 for 50: Building Healthy Communities
This essay is a selection from the special edition of UnPoverty by Mark Lutz. The new edition has been released in celebration of Opportunity International’s 50th Anniversary, featuring new chapters from leaders throughout Opportunity’s history.
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50 for 50: Remembering Opportunity International in Russia
Opportunity International was the first microfinance organization in Russia; there was no precedent for our work. At every turn, I was told, “It’s impossible in Russia!”
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50 for 50: Origin Stories - Asia
In 1974, a farmer named Ketut received Opportunity International’s first loan in Asia. With $50, Ketut and his wife began a tailoring business after purchasing a sewing machine. The microfinance program proved as effective as it was replicable—in 2020 alone, Opportunity assisted more than 6 million families across Asia with small loans.
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50 for 50: 7 Facts about our progress out of poverty
Opportunity International has spent 50 years learning what clients need to break the cycle of poverty. Through innovative solutions that help families build sustainable livelihoods, farmers improve their yields, and children go to school, we have been part of a global movement to reduce extreme poverty—a movement that has seen remarkable progress since our founding in 1971.
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