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© 2022 Opportunity Internationala 501(c)3 nonprofit. EIN: 540907624.

News Blog

6 places the Opportunity International Book Club explored in 2021 and more

by Allison Kooser

In a year full of ups and downs, we found solace, education, and adventure curling up with great books. The Opportunity Book Club enjoyed novels, memoirs, human psychology, business reads, and more every month. We love exploring the world from the comfort of our homes! We choose books written by authors from the countries in which Opportunity International works; books that share stories from communities around the world; and books that teach us about important issues like poverty, famine, and development. …

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Waymaker Wednesday: Santosh

by Opportunity International

We entered the home of 30-year old Santosh, and were offered a mat on the ground to sit on. We got settled and the men left. And only then, did Santosh remove the scarf that was acting as a veil, and we saw her face. One of eight children, Santosh never went to school. Her parents used what little money they had, to send her brothers instead. Santosh can’t read or write and she struggled to find the words to express why she’s so adamant her daughters won’t miss out on the opportunities she…

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Through the eyes of an elephant

by Allison Kooser

One of our favorite things to do is travel the world through the pages of a great book. So this winter, while the weather outside is frightful, curl up with a story that transports you somewhere new. Join us as we kick off another year of reading with Alex Lasker’s The Memory of an Elephant. Told through the perspective of an aging elephant as he makes his way across East Africa, The Memory of an Elephant spans both countries and generations, weaving a heartwarming—and heartbreaking—story of…

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50 for 50: Looking Back at 50 Years

by Atul Tandon

When Al Whittaker made a tiny loan to Carlos Moreno a street spice seller, in Colombia in 1971, he could not have imagined the tidal waves of impact his one small action would spark. Al’s start in Latin America, combined with David Bussau’s similar efforts in Asia, launched Opportunity International—which now has reached nearly 250 million people over the past 50 years. Carlos Moreno, Colombia For five decades, Opportunity has stayed committed to its founding principles: serving those…

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50 for 50: Back to the Beginning - David Bussau

by Alexis Beggs Olsen

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. To receive a copy, simply make a donation of any size to Opportunity and we’ll send it to you. David Bussau always knew that having “enough” was about more than financial success.   Throughout his life, David would grow in his understanding…

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50 for 50: Back to the Beginning: Al Whittaker

by Don 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. To receive a copy, simply make a donation of any size to Opportunity and we’ll send it to you. Dad told enough stories about his work with Opportunity International to fill an entire book. What I want to share in the next few pages is the way God called…

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50 for 50: Origin Stories - Africa

by Larry Reed

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. To receive a copy, simply make a donation of any size to Opportunity and we’ll send it to you. The board of Opportunity’s partner Zambuko Trust in Zimbabwe had a special guest one evening. Theresa, her hair gray, her dress modest and traditional,…

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This book is on us

by Allison Kooser

In celebration of Opportunity International’s 50th Anniversary this year, long-time staff member Mark Lutz has released a special edition of UnPoverty. Featuring new chapters from Opportunity’s program leads, stories from our founders, and an inside look at the impact people just like you have had on families around the world, this new release adds even more insight to a book that has inspired us for years. This December, as we close out another great year of reading, we invite you to revisit…

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50 for 50: Partnering for Impact

by Allison Kooser

Throughout our history, Opportunity International has relied on incredible partners to help us launch initiatives, grow programs, develop new strategies, and better serve our clients and their families. 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. Join us as we look back at some of our pivotal moments of collaboration over the last 50 years, and…

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50 for 50: Why I've Spent My Career at Opportunity

by Allison Kooser

Several of Opportunity International’s longest-serving staff members looked back at their careers and reflected on what makes Opportunity special. We are honored to share their reflections and grateful for their decades of service. Cindy Schwab-Salem (far right) joins staff, donors, and international visitors at an Opportunity women’s event in Arizona in 2011. “In my opinion, there is no greater cause than raising money to support hard-working entrepreneurs around the world to lift themselves…

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