News Blog
“There is nothing micro about the human spirit.”
This was a quote from the speech Maria Otero gave at her swearing-in ceremony as Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs yesterday. Maria spent over 20 years working in microfinance, and had been serving as CEO of ACCION International when she was tapped for public service. Maria made this comment in the course of sharing what she had learned from microfinance that she would take with her into her new role. In introducing Maria, Secretary of State Clinton declared that “There…
Read MoreInsight Trip: Tanzania Day 2 – Suzie Hofert
Today we met many different Opportunity International clients — each one unique in what he or she was selling. One of the clients was selling used clothing. He was such an inspiration because he was receiving his first loan and his goal was to use the profits to support his family, including seven siblings! We asked him if he had repeat customers and he said he did, so clearly he understood the importance of customer service. Different venders were coming around and watching as we stood around…
Read MoreTwestival: Social Media Enables Social Change
What’s this Twitter stuff all about? If you have a Twitter account (millions of you do), and you want to engage in social change, then Twitter may have just the event for you. Twestival Local, or Twitter-Festival, is an event that unites Twitter users offline to have a major impact on a social cause in their local area. Hundreds of gatherings take place in different cities around the world over a weekend span to raise awareness and funds for that city’s charity of choice. Twestival is completely…
Read MoreInsight Trip: Tanzania – Mark Zoller Day 1 Post
This post is a part of an ongoing series from YAO members on an insight trip in Tanzania. It’s Monday evening and YAO is winding down after our first full day here in Tanzania. The majority of our group pulled into the Rivertrees Lodge late last night and were greeted with dinner and drinks as we got acquainted with each other and the program we were about to participate in. The accommodations here at the Lodge are extremely comfortable and the grounds are beautiful. The place is nothing less…
Read MoreInsight Trip: Tanzania – Jason Duff Pre-trip Post
This is a part of an ongoing series of posts from members of the Young Ambassadors for Opportunity. September 5, 2009 Today, I embarked from Columbus, Ohio on a 7-day, 264-hour, 2-country African experience with 21 amazingly talented and accomplished Young Ambassadors for Opportunity. I have yet to meet any of the YAO members in person; however, I am totally inspired by their energy, compassion and commitment to help others. YAO members seek to inspire, educate and involve younger generations…
Read MoreInsight Trip: Tanzania – Suzie Hofert Pre-trip Post
This is a part of an ongoing series of posts from members of the Young Ambassadors for Opportunity. In two days I leave for the YAO Insight Trip to Tanzania and Rwanda. To say that I am excited would be an understatement. I have a feeling that it will not really hit me that I am going on this wonderful adventure until I step off the plane in Tanzania. I can’t wait to meet the people that have received loans from Opportunity International and experience how their lives have changed. I am praying…
Read MoreInsight Trip: Tanzania – AJ Renold Pre-trip Post
Twenty Young Ambassadors for Opportunity have embarked on a journey that is sure to change their worldview forever. During their 10-day trip to Tanzania and Rwanda, they will discover firsthand the impact of Opportunity’s work on our clients, their families and their communities. We hope you’ll read along as they share their thoughts on people, poverty and the promise of microfinance. September 3, 2009 In just a few days, I will be leaving the U.S. to travel to with the Young Ambassadors for…
Read MoreInsight Trip: Tanzania – Sonya Perez Pre-trip Post
Twenty Young Ambassadors for Opportunity have embarked on a journey that is sure to change their worldview forever. During their 10-day trip to Tanzania and Rwanda, they will discover firsthand the impact of Opportunity’s work on our clients, their families and their communities. We hope you’ll read along as they share their thoughts on people, poverty and the promise of microfinance. September 4, 2009 12:16am As I peeled back the tinfoil lid of the “chicken” dinner option on my overnight…
Read MoreWelcome
Welcome to the Opportunity International blog. We hope to build this site into a collaborative, informative and engaging destination where we can all learn more about microfinance and poverty eradication. What can you expect from the Opportunity blog? Look for posts from a variety of Opportunity authors. We’ll share information on developing countries where Opportunity serves, compelling stories of entrepreneurs that are working their way out of poverty, as well as updates on innovative microfinance…
Read MoreFor Some, “Back to School” is Easier Said than Done
It’s that time of the year again. Children all across America are heading back to school, a sometimes chaotic, but relatively uncomplicated task for families. Unfortunately, “back to school” isn’t so simple for many children living in impoverished communities around the world where schools, money and transportation are sparse. Jacqueline Syokwaa is the owner of a small primary school in her village slum near Nairobi, Kenya. Her wish is that all of the children living in her village, where…
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