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.
Meet Lucia Enacio
This summer, we are exploring the path from Farm to Table - exploring the many issues smallholder farmers face around the world. The life of a farmer and a mother are not so different. Between planting, nourishing, waiting, and protecting, both jobs are equally demanding, while remaining unconditionally rewarding. Farmers may raise crops and mothers their children, but both desire growth and prosperity as their ultimate outcome. Lucia Enacio raises both. As a mother to nine lively children and…
Read MoreUrban Gardening: Lessons from Learning to Grow
This summer, we are exploring the path from Farm to Table - exploring the many issues smallholder farmers face around the world. Last summer, my big project was to plant a garden. As someone with a historically black thumb, my little garden was a big challenge. I tried to choose “easy” plants – plants that would grow despite my best efforts. I planted mint and basil and rosemary. Lavender and thyme. I even attempted a strawberry plant. I watched and I waited all summer long as my little seeds…
Read MoreFrom Textbook to Real World: What Opportunity's New Branch in Ghana Taught Me About Opportunity In Action
Summer is here, which means that I—along with my fellow summer interns—have swapped backpacks for business casual and lecture halls for office cubicles. Personally, I couldn’t be more thrilled. Summers are a chance to step out of the swirl of quizzes, term papers, and finals and into the reality of what I’m passionate about—helping underserved and disadvantaged individuals gain access to a better quality of life. This passion is the reason I study International Relations and why I’m excited…
Read MoreSuperhero Dads
Sunday, June 21 is Father's Day! Don't forget to recognize the amazing dads in your life - and this year, give them a gift that changes lives! Millions of children consider their dad to be their ‘superhero.’ They think that their dad is the one who can ‘do it all’ and can make almost anything happen. And I have to admit - I am most definitely one of those people. Even though my dad and I are complete and total opposites, it’s hard to not get along with the person who has given you everything. My…
Read MoreHow To Celebrate Father's Day
I love celebrating awesome dads. Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it is the perfect excuse to honor and recognize amazing men who are transforming their families and communities. This Father’s Day, I’m celebrating dads like Patrick, whose deep desire to create a better future for his children gave him the motivation he needed to turn a family farm into a booming business. Dads like Don Antonio, who has grown his farm into an enterprise that is transforming not only his family,…
Read MoreThe Hunger to Stop Global Hunger
This summer, we are exploring the path from Farm to Table - exploring the many issues smallholder farmers face around the world. Almost every night before I go to sleep, I get hungry. I’m talking about the mouthwatering, stomach growling, I-can-eat-a-whole-whale kind of hungry. I lay in bed dreaming of breakfast in the morning, telling myself it’s totally plausible to eat a 14-oz medium rare ribeye with buttery mashed potatoes for breakfast. I convince myself that maybe I can get that beautiful…
Read MoreFarm to Table
I love food. Going to the grocery store, cooking and eating at restaurants are among my favorite pastimes. I’m a fan of all food, be it discovering that ordering hen of the woods gets you mushrooms or trying the latest Cheeto. I’ve learned with interest about the farm to table movement and its various benefits to environment, economy, health. For us in the United States, farm to table signals intimacy and a short path from the food’s origin to your reclaimed-wood restaurant table. For farmers…
Read MoreMeet Amanda Britt
Last year, we sat down with Amanda Britt, Young Ambassador for Opportunity and Founder of the collaborative workspace, Panzanzee. She shared with us her entrepreneurship journey and why she believes in Opportunity's work. Allison: Hi Amanda! I would love for you to introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about Panzanzee. Amanda: Well first, thank you so much for inviting me to do this! Opportunity and YAO have been such an important part of my life for the past five and a half years and a…
Read MoreThe Global Report
This month, we released our Spring Global Report. Read on for more information about our latest stats and reporting from the field. Opportunity's Global Momentum You helped us reach more impoverished families with financial services. As of 12/31/14, nearly 12 million customers spanning 28 countries are using an Opportunity loan, savings account and/or insurance policy to improve their lives. You helped us respond to the urgent needs of entrepreneurs who invest their increased earnings back into…
Read MoreReflections on Living Below the Line - I Couldn't Afford an Apple!
David Simms, President, Opportunity US and Global Chief Development Officer, joined Opportunity staff and friends spending five days eating and drinking on less than $1.50 a day as part of the Live Below the Line challenge. He completed the challenge and shared his reflections with us. Well, it's over. Yesterday I finished my five days of "Living Below the Line" of $1.50 per day, the World Bank's definition of extreme poverty. It was a humbling experience and one which heightened my appreciation…
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