News Media Coverage
This Educator Is a Champion for Young Girls in Ghana
Even in normal circumstances, over 35,000 children of primary school age are out of school in Ghana. Over 40% of children are not enrolled in secondary school. Girls in Ghana are particularly affected by a lack of access to education with a school life expectancy of 11 years. According to Opportunity International, many girls face particular challenges in attending school due to poverty, early marriage, or pregnancy. As the founder of Solid Rock Foundation Schools in Accra, Ghana, Victoria Hazel knows how essential education is for unlocking a child’s potential, especially for girls.
Opportunity International Donates 10,000 Face Masks to Clients in Ghana
Opportunity International Savings and Loans Limited (OISL), a leading savings and loans company in Ghana, has donated 10,000 pieces of face masks to its clients. The donation was part of OISL’s actions in combatting the spread of the novel coronavirus in various communities it serves.
School Improvement Loans Linked to Increased Learning Outcomes in Uganda
Opportunity EduFinance partnered with the University of Chicago’s Center for RISC to measure the effectiveness of School Improvement Loans in Uganda related to increasing learning outcomes for students.
Opportunity International Savings and Loans holds 2nd graduation for 54 ‘Kayaye’
Opportunity International Savings and Loans in Ghana celebrated the second graduation ceremony for 54 street porters (Kayaye) under its flagship Youth Development Program.
Through the Noise: Small Loans & Business Training Can Change the World
During these uncertain times, how are leaders adapting and changing course? Opportunity International CEO Atul Tandon joined Through the Noise host Ernesto Gluecksmann to discuss how the organization is supporting families during COVID-19, the critical data that helps guide strategic decisions, and what motivates him to serve the most marginalized.
Looking For Equity After COVID-19? Prioritize African Women
COVID-19 has presented not only a health crisis but a burgeoning economic catastrophe as well. A recent McKinsey report notes that in 2020, African economies could experience a catastrophic loss from $90 billion to $200 billion, a 3–8% drop in GDP growth, and delayed or reduced foreign direct investment. Such a massive hit will require immense resources and focus at a continental level, as well as data-driven, gender-sensitive solutions at the local level. Emerging evidence suggests that women will disproportionately suffer the economic impacts of COVID-19.
Opportunity CEO Atul Tandon and EduQuality Manager Renee McAlpin discuss Education during COVID-19
Opportunity CEO Atul Tandon and Opporunity EduQuality Manager Renee McAlpin joined the annual Ideagen Global Innovation Summit to discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on education thus far, the challenges ahead, and the importance of coming together during a critical time in human history. Ideagen is a thought-leadership organization based in Washington, D.C. that focuses on building and enhancing cross-sector collaboration between nonprofit, corporate, and public sector entities for collective impact.
Survive to Thrive
Founder of Soul of Finance Larry Reed interviewed Opportunity CEO Atul Tandon to discuss how Opportunity is pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Soul of Finance explores how the financial industry and philanthropic values intersect.
COVID-19 Threatens the Microfinance Sector and the Livelihoods of Those We Serve
"Over the past couple of months, we have seen unprecedented coordination among investors, donors, and other industry actors all seeking to support the [base of the economic pyramid] and the institutions that serve them. We are building a coalition so that these institutions that serve the poor with financial services also have a voice in the COVID-19 response." - Center for Financial Inclusion
Princess Anne Opens Up About Her Lifetime as a Royal
We had the great honor to meet Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal, Princess Anne this past November in Chicago and experience her palpable enthusiasm for Opportunity International’s work. We’re so grateful for her long-time patronage of Opportunity International UK, which was mentioned in the cover story of Vanity Fair's May 2020 issue about the Princess. As she looks towards her 70th birthday this year, the article explores an in-depth look at her life as a Royal, and her commitment as a philanthropist to serve the most marginalized people—especially women and children.