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© 2018 Opportunity Internationala 501(c)3 nonprofit. EIN: 540907624.

News Blog

Global Food Security Act Re-authorization

by Mark Castellino

We know that poverty alleviation is inextricably tied to global food security, which is why Opportunity provides financial services to farmers, processors, input suppliers and other enterprises in the agricultural market system. As one of the largest donors of global food security and agriculture, the U.S. government has a key role to play in ending hunger and malnutrition around the world. In 2016 the Global Food Security Act (GFSA) codified into law the efforts and resources of the United…

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Announcing our November Book Club Selection: Indonesia Etc.

by Opportunity International

The country of Indonesia is comprised of 17,000 islands—spanning thousands of miles in the Pacific Ocean. Journalist and HIV Epidemiologist Elizabeth Pisani trekked 26,000 of those miles to research and write a comprehensive narrative about this incredible country.  And we can't wait to learn from her experiences.  This month, we are reading:  Indonesia Etc. by Elizabeth Pisani As Amazon describes, \"Declaring independence in 1945, Indonesia said it would 'work out the details of the transfer…

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A New Way to Move Families From Poverty to Prosperity

by Jenn Winter

Before anything else, Marites is a mother. The first thing she asks herself every morning is how she will get food on the table for her children that day. She is learning better ways to answer that question through the LIFE (Livelihoods for the Extreme Poor) poverty graduation pilot program that she joined through Opportunity’s local partner in the Philippines. The graduation model has proven to be a scalable, cost-effective way to support families living in the depths of poverty by providing…

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Meet Erin Dowland Kabwe

by Opportunity International

In August, we welcomed our new Senior Director of Volunteer Engagement, Erin Dowland Kabwe. As Mother Teresa says, “It’s not about how much you do, but how much love you put into what you do that counts.”  Erin emanates this beloved quote so well. She has devoted her entire career to service with almost 20 years of diverse, global experience in fundraising and community development. Her journey to Opportunity began many years ago and is lit by amazing achievements along the way. A highlight…

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The Power of Education in Nicaragua

by Lindy Purdy

Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” In Nicaragua, we saw first-hand evidence of that truth. With its magnificent geographic setting and precarious political situation, Nicaragua is a country of great contrasts. It is both a desired tourist destination and one of the most underprivileged countries. While we experienced that sharp contrast vividly in our short visit, it was the people of Nicaragua who won our hearts. What made…

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Announcing Our September Book Club Selection

by Opportunity International

Here at Opportunity International, we have so many wonderful friends. These are people who provide us with invaluable strategic direction, encourage us as we tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, and learn alongside us. Put simply, our friends—people just like you—make us who we are. They make our work possible. So when one of our friends writes an incredible book, we can’t help but celebrate it!   This month, we are reading:  Bigger Than Me by Ward Brehm Ward’s insights about…

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Powering Educational Change-Makers Like Grace

by Allison Kooser

A native of Bogotá, Grace remembers wanting to become a teacher when she was as young as the students she teaches today. As a child in school, she was accustomed to knocks on the door from classmates who didn’t understand a math problem or needed help with their homework. Grace became a peer tutor, and when high school graduation came around, she was certain she wanted to pursue a degree in education. It was during her time at university that her future as a school proprietor started to take real…

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Bandeja Paisa: Bring Colombia to Your Kitchen

by Katie Morgan

This hearty meal is a popular dish in Colombian cuisine. Traditionally served in a large tray to accommodate the amount of food, Bandeja Paisa is a perfect meal to share with friends and neighbors!   WHAT YOU’ll NEED: Makes 4 servings 2 cups white rice   1 teaspoon baking powder ¾ cup oil  ½ teaspoon baking soda  4 cups yellow onion, chopped (about 2 onions)  5 cups water  1 large green bell pepper, chopped  1 cup corn flour  1 tablespoon Achiote paste  4 ounces shredded asadero cheese…

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Nicaragua Emergency Update

by Dave Wiegman

In the midst of ongoing national turmoil in Nicaragua, our staff and clients have demonstrated remarkable resilience. The crisis, which began in mid-April, has caused dramatic economic, political, and social upheaval for people throughout the country. The roadblocks that prevented people from moving throughout the country have been removed, but it is still unsafe to be out after 7:00 p.m. Economic activity has slowed dramatically, and tourism—a major driver for many industries—has all but dried…

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Announcing Our August Book Club Selection

by Opportunity International

Can you believe it’s already the middle of August? Before we know it, kids will be going back to school (or maybe they already are!)—which is why we’ve selected a Book Club book that is great for the whole family! Get your young learners back in “school mode” by reading our August Book Club book together (there is even a young reader’s version available!). This month, we are reading:  The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba Called “inspirational,” “amazing,” “heartwarming,”…

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