Retrospective on Opportunity’s 40 Years: Spotlight on the 1990s
Opportunity International celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. In honor of our four decades partnering with microfinance clients, we’re taking a look back at all the triumphs and joys of helping people around the world create change in their lives.
A Look Back at the ’90s
In the 1990s, Opportunity expanded into new continents, bringing tremendous growth as we began serving Africans and Eastern Europeans living in extreme poverty. Opportunity reached a milestone of 25,000 active clients in 1996.
Spotlight on Ghanaian Client Aimee
When her husband died in 1995, Aimee Ivy Ansod was left to raise five children. That same year, her house was destroyed by fire. Aimee turned to the newly opened Opportunity Ghana for a $65 loan to expand her sewing business, and with help from her church, rebuilt her home.
Five loan cycles later, she had bought several sewing machines, increased her inventory and hired six apprentices. Best of all, Aimee was able to keep all her children in school.
For more memories, check out Opportunity’s 40th Anniversary photo slideshow»