News Blog
The Opportunity Difference
A few weeks ago, I traveled to Uganda to witness the work of Opportunity International. I became a donor a few years ago and recently joined the Opportunity team as Chief Philanthropy Officer, so I was keen to kick the tires on our model of providing innovative financial solutions to create sustainable livelihoods for hard-working families. I was wearing two hats: one as an insider and one as a supporter. I left a blustering snowstorm in the states to arrive in Kampala, Uganda, where I was welcomed…
Read MoreThe Power of a Global Community of Women
This January, I returned to my home country of India with a group of Opportunity’s donors, all women, from the United States. We traveled to a tribal region in eastern India, meeting women living with big dreams but limited resources. These women—and the generations before them—have known suffering and struggle. They have survived decades of poverty and oppression, exclusion and pain. But despite these impossible circumstances, they were the picture of grit, determination, and strength. They…
Read MoreCreativity in the Classroom
As a child in school, I often took for granted the detailed, strategic activities my teachers put together to encourage my academic development. Now working for an organization that is serving children through its Education Finance program, I realize just how critical those thoughtful curriculums are. And also, how many children’s educations are suffering without them. At Opportunity, we recognize one of the ways children are engaged in the classroom is through Teaching and Learning…
Read MoreFive Things I Can't Stop Thinking About From the 2019 Gates Letter
Every year, Bill and Melinda Gates release their reflections on the world in their annual letter. Their thoughts continually inspire and challenge me, and this year’s letter is no different. Here are five key things I can’t stop thinking about: “Young Africans will shape the future of not only their own communities but the entire world.”We know that empowering young people is critical to breaking the cycle of poverty—and even more so in Africa, where the population remains uniquely young.…
Read MoreRead With Us: February Book Club Selection
We are excited to welcome so many new readers to the Opportunity International Book Club fold this month. (Must be all of those New Year’s resolutions to read more—which is one goal we can totally support!) In order to support and encourage our ever-growing community of book enthusiasts, we decided to create a space where we can all share our thoughts and reactions to the things we are reading. Please take a moment to join the Opportunity International Book Club group on Facebook, and invite…
Read MoreTalk to Us! Your 2019 Goals
This year, we want to hear from you! Each month, we'll ask you a question—and we'll pose the same question to one of our clients working her way out of poverty around the world. Because, while our circumstances look different, our lives are actually remarkably similar. We all are working hard, dreaming about the future, and caring for our families. We all like hanging out with friends, and we are all aiming for more joy and laughter. We'll share your responses each month, so be sure to join…
Read MoreTop 3 Blogs From 2018
Last year, we traveled the world from the screen of our phone or computer, read impactful and thought-provoking books, and were inspired by clients and the stories of their perseverance. Our favorite part was getting to do all this with you! To celebrate another year of exploring, learning, and working to end extreme poverty together, let's a look back at your favorite blogs from 2018. MY FIRST TIME IN THE FIELD Opportunity’s own IT master, Shane Ulrich, keeps the Chicago office up…
Read MoreOur Favorite Insight Trip Moments of 2018
Each year, we invite donors, supporters, and friends to join us on life-changing traveling experiences we call Insight Trips. These adventures are designed to challenge your assumptions, open your eyes to the world around you, and introduce you to incredible Opportunity International clients. While you are exploring India or wandering through Colombia, you'll have the opportunity to sample delicious foods, check out the best sites and experiences, and meet fellow travelers who share your interests.…
Read MoreRead With Us: January Book Club Selection
Happy new year, readers! Can you believe we are entering our second year of the Opportunity International Book Club? It has been so much fun to share our book recommendations with all of our fellow book lovers each month! If you aren't already signed up, make sure to do so now! Fill out my online form. // We closed out 2018 reading one of our favorites of the year—Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo. Don't forget to join our virtual discussion of the book on Facebook or download a printable…
Read MoreLeading Global Growth in Agriculture Finance
The challenge of ending extreme poverty, a key objective of the Sustainable Development Goals, is inextricably connected to agricultural development. This is because people in developing countries who depend on agriculture for their livelihood are typically living in deeper poverty than people who work in other sectors of the economy. If we can help farmers improve their profitability and increase their income, we can have a tangible impact in lifting them out of extreme poverty. …
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