by Nathan Byrd
This summer, 83 students in Rwanda have received multi-year scholarships from Opportunity International as part of an exploratory pilot programme aimed at re-imagining the modern scholarship. Scholarships in the developing world have traditionally been seen as an all-or-nothing game. A student is either in extreme poverty who needs everything handed to them, or they are not. But our world does not exist in absolutes. Now is the time to recognize this and adapt to individual needs. There are…
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by Opportunity International
Once again Opportunity International supporters donned their lycra to cycle the rigorous Trois Etapes – a 3 day team cycling race in the French Pyrenees in aid of hard working entrepreneurs living in poverty. Two Opportunity International teams took part in the event which involved some of the toughest climbs of the Tour de France. In total each team member climbed over 8,500 vertical metres over the three days. An amazing £1 million was raised! An incredible amount, which will help thousands…
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by Edward Fox
Two years ago many of you supported our 2012 Christmas appeal, which has made a huge difference to communities living in poverty. The appeal was match funded by the UK government. As a result all donations were doubled, meaning that many of you helped us raise a staggering total of £4 million! This enabled us to set ambitious targets for a two year expansion project across Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda and Uganda. I want to share with you what has been achieved across Africa and how lives…
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by Terry Watson
Transformation is a powerful word. It illustrates a deep and sustainable change that overcomes circumstance and attitude. A change that alters the future. Looking back on the last 12 months I am once again inspired and humbled by our clients’ determination and belief in their own transformation. These men and women work hard, knowing they have the abilities and drive to provide a better future for their children. With your help this potential is not just known it is unlocked, empowering…
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by Opportunity International
US Board Chair Mark Thompson to assume new role effective immediately Opportunity International Global Board Chair Carly Fiorina today formally announced her U.S. Presidential candidacy. As a result, she is resigning from Opportunity’s Global Board. “Opportunity is unique among nonprofits for their businesslike approach and sustainable client impact,” Fiorina said. “It has been my privilege to serve as their first Global Board Chair. They are in good hands with the many fine global leaders…
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by Jenny Dunn
With 70% of people in Africa working off the land, our Seeds of Opportunity appeal highlighted the continent’s huge agricultural potential. The Appeal, which ran from November 2014 to February 2015 and is our most successful to date, engaged the public with our innovative agricultural programme and the role they can play in unlocking Africa’s potential so that families and communities can thrive. ‘Before my Opportunity loan I was never able to grow enough to feed my family. My life…
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by Jenny Dunn
When a family begins to earn an income from their business, they need somewhere safe to keep it. For many of us in the UK we would naturally use a savings account but, with no alternatives, many families living in poverty hide what little money or assets they do have under their mattress, in a hole in the ground or in livestock. Here, their hard-earned income can be stolen or destroyed – a devastating loss for a family just starting to get on their feet. Opportunity International uses innovative…
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by Brad Skeba
Parents, no matter where in the world they are from, have the same desires for their children. They want them to succeed. They want them to live a life better than their own. They want them to learn and be educated and have the skills and confidence to achieve a meaningful life. This love, this deeply entrenched desire to see their children flourish, is one of the critical intangibles that powers the success of so many of Opportunity International’s clients. It’s why they work so hard day after…
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by Opportunity International
This year, Opportunity International Global CEO Vicki Escarra spoke about our innovative, transformational work in a number of prominent news outlets, including Bloomberg and CCTV. As we remember 2014, here are two interviews that you don't want to miss: Vicki Escarra, Global CEO for Opportunity International, discussed Opportunity's goal to create 20 million jobs around the world with Bloomberg's Trish Regan on \"Street Smart.\" Vicki Escarra also spoke on CCTV regarding bridging the gap between…
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by Opportunity International
“Investing in education is one of the most decisive ways to help people work their way out of poverty,” said Vicki Escarra, Global CEO of Opportunity International. “Research has shown that education raises a student’s future economic status and can even extend life expectancy. We look forward to continuing our important partnership with Credit Suisse to expand educational opportunities for thousands of youth through access to financial services.” Today we are pleased to announce a partnership…
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