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Carol Stream, Illinois 60132

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© 2025 Opportunity Internationala 501(c)3 nonprofit. EIN: 540907624.

News Blog

From Colorado to Ghana: A Teen’s Journey Toward Global Awareness

by Kelli Walker & Hallie Kobylski

Blake McAfoos’ passport tells a story of adventure—colorful stamps from Indonesia, Bali, Turkey, and Mexico mark his travels. But his recent journey to Ghana left an indelible mark on his heart. In January, Blake joined a group of adventurous students and parents on a multi-stop tour through Ghana, a West African nation rich in culture and resilience. Blake, right, with students in northern Ghana Witnessing Resilience Amidst Challenges In Accra, Blake visited informal settlements lacking basic…

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Empowered Moms Change the World: Rose’s Story of Hope and Transformation

by Hallie Kobylski

A Mother’s Day Story of Strength and Resilience This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating mothers like Rose Magombo—women whose unwavering strength and resilience are reshaping the future for their families and communities. In rural Malawi, where advantages are scarce and setbacks are common, Rose’s story reminds us just how powerful a mother’s love—and support—can be. Rose, a member of the Malawi graduation program, poses outside her home in rural Blantyre, Malawi on April 24, 2024 From…

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EduQuality’s Cluster Model: A Powerful Engine for Female Educational Leadership

by John Pulido

This blog was originally published on edufinance.org. EduQuality’s cluster model brings together groups of 4 to 12 affordable private schools in close geographic proximity, forming a “Self-Improving School System” (SISS). In these clusters, school leaders and teacher mentors collaborate regularly to share best practices, drive school development, and support one another through challenges. This bottom-up structure fosters innovation, resilience, and autonomy. And in the Latin America and Caribbean…

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Grace, Love, and the Road to Jericho: A Message on Easter

by Atul Tandon

This Easter weekend, I find myself reflecting on the power of resurrection and renewal—rooted in God’s enduring love for His people—not only as a moment in history, but as a living, daily promise. At Opportunity International, we witness renewal every day—in the lives of our clients who rise, rebuild, and reclaim their future. With every loan disbursed, every child educated, and every business launched, we see hope reborn. These are not just stories of survival; they are stories of renewal.…

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Father-Son Entrepreneurs Take on the Grand Canyon to Support Women in Malawi

by Joe Dutra

What do a 14-mile hike through the Grand Canyon and women entrepreneurs in Malawi have in common? Everything—if you ask Mike and Max Carson. This father-son duo is raising funds for Opportunity International’s life-changing programs by taking on a grueling trek that’s helping bring attention to the power of small businesses to lift families out of extreme poverty. Mentorship, Motivation, and Popsicles: Mike’s Early Start Opportunity International clients show us every day what it takes to…

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Father-Daughter Shamrock Shuffle

by Joe Dutra

It always comes to this. When a teenager starts to find their own place in the world, they begin to challenge their parents.  It can come in the form of a mohawk, or a boyfriend nobody likes, or even months of “You just don’t get it!” arguments. For Matilda Rincon, that challenge is more direct. The high school cross-country runner thinks she can beat her dad, Opportunity’s Director of Capital Solutions Mauricio Rincon, in a foot race. Matilda, far right, during a cross country race. “I…

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Being Unstoppable—1 Year Later 

by Simona Haiduc

Women's economic empowerment is essential to the growth of strong, prosperous communities worldwide. Our partnership with The UPS Foundation to build pathways to prosperity has proven, time and again, that the economic engines driving our communities are mothers, wives, and daughters. They invest in their families, are entrepreneurs with a finger on the pulse of their neighborhoods, and believe in the value of hard work and determination. In collaboration with UPS, the Unstoppable Women Initiative is…

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“You can call me Madame” - From Street Porter to Business Owner

by Joe Dutra

“I am now on my own. I am independent. You can call me Madame.” In a church in central Accra, over 30 women sat and listened to Amama Ibrahim speak at their graduation ceremony. Opportunity’s Kayayei Graduation Project has come to its final convening—but for months, these women have come together to share their experiences, learn new crafts and business skills, and find their own pathways to success.Amama, a former graduate of the program, was glowing as she shared with the group what their…

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Global Voices for Women’s History Month

by Hallie Kobylski

Women’s History Month is a time to honor the female trailblazers who have shaped our world. The incredible women leading our upcoming Breaking Barriers with Opportunity webinar series to share what woman from their country has inspired them, and why? Their responses reveal stories of resilience, leadership, and change-makers whose legacies deserve to be celebrated. Alice Lajwa Project Manager for the Women Empowerment Project – Uganda Betty Oyella Bigombe is a Ugandan politician and conflict…

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How AI is Revolutionizing Smallholder Farming in Africa with FarmerAI

by Joe Dutra

In 2024, Opportunity's Ulangizi AI chatbot sparked real change for farmers in rural Malawi by delivering real-time, region-specific agricultural insights, helping farmers increase their yields, boost resilience, and improve their bottom lines. For smallholder farmers living in some of the most remote regions on the continent, this type of tool can be life-changing. In its first year, thousands of farmers used the app to improve their harvests and build new pathways to prosperity. And while 2024 proved…

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