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Carol Stream, Illinois 60132

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© 2026 Opportunity Internationala 501(c)3 nonprofit. EIN: 540907624.

News Blog

Young Ambassadors for Opportunity are celebrating #GivingTuesday

by Opportunity International

We know that there’s nothing more important in the world than our families. We do all we can each day to make sure their lives are happy, secure and comfortable. And the same is true for the millions of determined Opportunity International clients in the developing world. That’s why Arnest Sebbumba gave up a successful career in telecommunications to return to his parents’ struggling dairy farm in Uganda’s Kayunga District. With the help of an Opportunity International loan, the 25-year-old…

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Thomas Bugembe Provides Brighter Futures for Ugandan Students

by Opportunity International

Thomas Balya Bugembe founded Maryhill Kindergarten and Junior School in Sonde, Uganda in 2006 with just 37 students, holding lessons in two rooms on a rented plot of land. Determined to provide a better education for his students, Thomas obtained a series of Opportunity International loans. As a result of his hard work and passion for education, Thomas purchased his own land and constructed both a kindergarten block as well as a main hall for the school which now serves 356 students. Thomas’ dream…

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Opportunity’s Banking on Africa Programs are a Step Ahead

by Kristabel Stark

Kristabel was an Intern with Opportunity International in the Summer of 2013. Close your eyes and picture Africa.What do you see? A hungry child? A war-torn village? It’s no surprise if you do: The portrayal of Africa in the U.S. media has long focused on its political and social crises. But as President Obama met with African business and political leaders in South Africa, Senegal and Tanzania in June of 2013, he addressed Africa as an emerging trade partner and peer—not a patient seeking urgent…

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Howard Buffett: Awareness, Knowledge and Education Key to Food Security

by Lauren Williamson

Farmer and philanthropist Howard G. Buffett believes we each have about 40 years—40 chances—to meet our goals. His ambitious goal is to end global hunger by 2045—a noble ideal we share here at Opportunity International. That’s why we partnered Monday with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs to present a discussion between Buffett and his son, Howard W. Buffett, who co-authored the book, 40 Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World. The key to solving the world’s food security crisis, he…

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Your Mobile Phone Can Deliver Inspiration

by Opportunity International

Forced to flee her home to escape the violence of Colombia’s guerrilla war, Marleidis rebuilt her life with the help of an Opportunity International loan. She used the loan to set up a small shop in Cartagena to sell candy and cell phone minutes. Today, she has a steady income and is ensuring a bright future for her son and a secure beginning for her unborn child. Join Opportunity International this holiday season to honor the importance of family and celebrate entrepreneurs like Marleidis who…

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InStyle Magazine Features Malin Akerman’s Work with Opportunity International

by Lauren Williamson

Whatever money is made at Opportunity International’s La Emprendedora School goes back into its programs—a promise that made a life-changing impact on actress Malin Akerman during a recent Insight Trip to Nicaragua. The November issue of InStyle magazine features Malin sharing the deep connections she made with Opportunity International clients during that trip, as well as a visit to Tanzania. InStyle is distributed in the United States and 17 other countries and has a total circulation of nearly…

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Introducing the CEM, Chief Executive Mother

by Trent Anderson

Trent was an Intern with Opportunity International in the Summer of 2013. The average chief executive officer’s (CEO) responsibilities include building relationships, managing and planning. Most CEOs earn their prominent positions through experience, hard work and intelligence. These same core strengths and values comprise the foundation of a mother’s work. It’s ironic because women, despite their principal familial roles, remain one of the most subjugated social groups worldwide. The idea…

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The Need for Drinkable Water

by Steph Jimenez

Steph was an Intern with Opportunity International in the Summer of 2013. Our first instinct on a hot, humid day is to drink a cold, refreshing glass of water. We rarely think twice about whether it’s available. Faucet on, faucet off. Though clean drinking water is essential for health, 780 million people have no access to it. Inadequate drinking water poses serious health risks such as tapeworms, diarrhea and viruses that lead, in some cases, to preventable deaths. Daily, millions of people across…

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Big Goals and Great Strides Toward Ending Hunger

by Madeline Stone

Over the past 30 years, the world has made great strides in the eradication of worldwide poverty. In fact, according to a World Bank report, 751 million fewer people are living in extreme poverty compared to 1981. While we are clearly making huge strides, the report also found that the quality of life for those living in poverty is as bad today as it was in 1981. Fortunately, we have greatly decreased the amount of hungry people in the world: Since 1990, the number has dropped by 152 million people.…

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Opportunity International Gets Blog Action Day Shout Outs

by Madeline Stone

Every year in October, bloggers from around the world unite on Blog Action Day to write about a single topic. This year, it’s Human Rights. Here at Opportunity International we believe a life of dignity and purpose is a fundamental right. Unfortunately most budding entrepreneurs in the developing world don’t have access to education and training necessary to start their own business. Most banks turn them down when they ask for a loan. But not here at Opportunity International. We give small loans…

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