by Melissa Bell, Programme Manager
In Uganda, it’s estimated that approximately 12.5% of the population live with some form of disability. That’s almost 4.5 million people. Most of whom are considered, by the banks of Uganda, to be dependent on others and unable to earn their own income. Over the last three years we have being working with disabled communities in the Eastern and Northern regions of Uganda. The project set out to reach 3,700 people living with disabilities in rural regions, providing them with the financial tools…
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by Opportunity International
Our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, visited our work in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda yesterday. She began the day by officially opening our Opportunity Bank branch – the first Opportunity bank in a refugee settlement anywhere in Uganda. The new branch enables Opportunity International to scale up its financial inclusion services, providing life-changing financial services to refugees living within the settlement. The Princess Royal then visited two client groups within the settlement. …
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by Opportunity International
17th- 20th October is Financial Inclusion Week, and this year's theme is ‘Inclusive Growth in the Digital Era.' It is a week to share ideas, research and projects that are using digital tools to reach marginalised or traditionally excluded people. Here, we showcase how Opportunity International uses digital technology, particularly mobile phone banking, to reach more women living in poverty. It shows how a simple mobile phone can transform lives. You probably use your mobile phone to access…
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by Opportunity International
Opportunity International is deeply saddened by the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty the Queen will be remembered for her humility and servant leadership, and her extraordinary dedication and commitment to duty. We join with the rest of the nation, the commonwealth and people throughout the world in mourning her death, and in gratitude for the example of her life. On behalf of our staff, partners and clients, Opportunity International sends its sincerest condolences…
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by Opportunity International
For those living in poverty, financial stability is always just out of reach. They are trapped in a hand-to-mouth existence and, without the right opportunity, this vicious cycle can repeat itself across generations and across communities. Access to job opportunities and sustainable livelihoods provides the financial stability to break this cycle. A steady income means access to better nutrition and healthcare; a safer, more secure home; the ability to send children to school and the potential…
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by Opportunity International
Meet Rwandan coffee farmer Aphrodis. When he received support from Opportunity International, he didn’t realise just how far-reaching the impact would be. With a loan and agricultural training, his coffee harvests quickly grew. This increased his income and allowed him to send all five of his children to school. As his harvest continued to grow, Aphrodis started to employ people from his community. He now provides seven local people with stable jobs on his farm. If I didn’t meet and work…
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by Opportunity International
77% of Uganda is under the age of 30 and its population is set to double between 2020 and 2060. There are not enough jobs available. Youth unemployment is already high and will continue to rise as the population grows. It’s common for young people to migrate from their remote agricultural communities to look for better job opportunities in large cities. Many find themselves alone, unemployed and unable to earn a living. Others find themselves underemployed, working in the informal sector with…
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by Opportunity International
A growing youth population Youth un- and under-employment is one of the biggest challenges currently facing Africa. Many countries are struggling to provide education, productive employment and decent work for all. As the population increases, this challenge is becoming more acute – by 2050, Africa’s population is set to double. In Uganda, 78% of the population is under the age of 31. While about 700,000 young people reach working age every year in Uganda, only 75,000 jobs are created.…
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by Opportunity International
Our work with refugees enables people to move from dependency to self-reliance. Build their own businesses. And, work their own way out of poverty. It provides 12,000 refugee households with access to financial products and services to establish sustainable livelihoods. The best part of our work is hearing the stories from our clients. We've got three new inspiring stories to share with you about refugees overcoming challenges using their financial skills, innovative ideas and determination... Meet,…
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by Opportunity International
Today, is Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Where the digital world turns their attention towards people with disabilities and shines a light on digital access and inclusion. There are more than one billion people with disabilities and impairments globally. Digital accessibility cannot be overlooked. And cannot be confined to one awareness raising day. Accessibility is integral to equality. In Uganda, we are providing access to financial service to people living with disabilities and working…
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