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.
What We’re Reading: What Is the What by Dave Eggers
By Allison Bearden, Resource Development Intern, Opportunity International Every Wednesday, we highlight an article, book or a blog in our “What We’re Reading” series. We feature works that are noteworthy, inspiring, educational or relevant to the work we do at Opportunity. We welcome your comments in the comment field below–tell us what you’re reading, or respond to the piece that we’ve highlighted. The following post is on Dave Eggers’ moving novel, What Is the What, about the real-life struggles…
Read MoreIrene D. Pritzker, and Attendees of World Leadership Forum Dinner, Reflect on her Global Philanthropy Award and the Work of IDP Rising Schools Program
“We have created a new way to educate millions of poor children – who like all children, have big dreams.” -Irene D. Pritzker, accepting the Global Philanthropy Award at the Foreign Policy Association World Leadership Forum Dinner on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010 On Wednesday night, Irene D. Pritzker, co-founder and president of IDP Foundation, Inc., was honored at the World Leadership Forum Dinner for her work with the IDP Rising Schools Program in Ghana. The IDP Rising Schools Program…
Read MoreInsight Trip: Rwanda Day 4 – AJ Renold
One of the things I love about Twitter is that you’re able to experience real-time industry developments and thought exchange. I love seeing people discuss social entrepreneurship, music, literature and food. Individuals can discover new resources that help grow their knowledge of the world and space in which they operate. It is truly fascinating. This summer, Opportunity International created the discussion, #Mifimon (Microfinance Monday was too long for twitter’s 140 character limit), which…
Read MoreReal-Time Conversation. Real-Time Impact. #Mifimon
One of the things I love about Twitter is that you’re able to experience real-time industry developments and thought exchange. I love seeing people discuss social entrepreneurship, music, literature and food. Individuals can discover new resources that help grow their knowledge of the world and space in which they operate. It is truly fascinating. This summer, Opportunity International created the discussion, #Mifimon (Microfinance Monday was too long for twitter’s 140 character limit), which…
Read MorePainters, Activists & Engineers at the Clinton Global Initiative
On the last evening of The Clinton Global Initiative, I ended up chatting with the following three people: a painter who uses his art to teach children in Mexico about tolerance and peace, a small business loan officer who works for a community development organization in Harlem, and an engineer who is piloting a solar lantern program for people living in poverty in Pakistan. These weren’t keynote speakers or commitment presenters, just people I happened to sit next to in the hotel lobby. While…
Read MoreTeri Goudie, Inspired by Half the Sky, Summits Mount Kilimanjaro for Women in Poverty
One week ago, Teri Goudie, a former TV producer for Chicago’s ABC 7, traveled to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, raising donations for Opportunity International and the Janada L. Batchelor Foundation for Children (JBFC). Goudie was inspired to accomplish this incredible feat after reading the book Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, by Sheryl WuDunn and Nicholas D. Kristof. She’s joined on her journey by two friends, Lisa Stafford and Patty Orler.…
Read MoreInvesting in Women and Girls
According the to the UN, women undertake 66% of the world’s work. They produce 50% of the worlds food. In spite of this, they earn only 10% of the world’s income. And they own only 1% of the world’s property. With statistics like these, it is no wonder that the Clinton Global Initiative emphasizes the importance of investing in women and girls. As I watched the Wednesday morning plenary panel address this issue, the consensus and conviction among panel members was crystal clear that empowering…
Read MoreInsight Trip: Tanzania/Rwanda Day 3 – Suzie Hofert
Ambitions soar, hope floats, and change hangs in the air each year at the Clinton Global Initiative. This year is no exception. Today (Wednesday), at 2:45 p.m. EST, Madeline Albright will spotlight Opportunity International as a key player in the advancement of opportunities for children in the developing world. By introducing tuition savings accounts, school fee loans and school financing, Opportunity is investing in education for children living in poverty. Opportunity International CEO Kadita…
Read MoreInitiating Change in Education: Opportunity’s CGI Commitment at 2:45 p.m. EST #cgi09
Ambitions soar, hope floats, and change hangs in the air each year at the Clinton Global Initiative. This year is no exception. Today (Wednesday), at 2:45 p.m. EST, Madeline Albright will spotlight Opportunity International as a key player in the advancement of opportunities for children in the developing world. By introducing tuition savings accounts, school fee loans and school financing, Opportunity is investing in education for children living in poverty. Opportunity International CEO Kadita…
Read MoreWhat We’re Reading: “Investing in Women & Girls” (MediaPlanet supplement, USA Today)
Every Wednesday on our blog, we highlight an article, book or a blog in our “What We’re Reading” series. We’ll feature pieces or works that are noteworthy, inspiring, educational or relevant to the work we do at Opportunity. We welcome your comments in the comment field below–tell us what you’re reading, or respond to the piece that we’ve highlighted. This week we’re reading the September 2010 report fromMediaPlanet in USA Today entitled “Investing in Women & Girls: Dedicating…
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