This is an exciting time for Opportunity International. With your vital support we are achieving a great deal, but we are ambitious. There is still too much inequality of opportunity and a lot more we need to do.

I am therefore delighted to announce that Sam Bickersteth will take over as Chief Executive in October 2019. I retire at the end of September, secure in the knowledge that he will lead our work from strength to strength.

I have known Sam for many years. I have a deep respect for his abilities and achievements. His experience will be a huge asset to the communities we serve in Africa, particularly as they face the pressing challenges of a growing youth population and climate change.

He comes to us with a wealth of experience in International Development. He has worked to give people, who live in poverty, a hand up throughout his career; first with the UK Government’s Department for International Development and later with Oxfam. He has worked in Mozambique, Sudan, Pakistan, Nepal and Bolivia leading programmes to give people a chance to make a living for themselves.

In most recent times Sam led the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) providing knowledge and advice to developing countries that want to address climate change.

Sam will crave the ongoing support and partnership of supporters like you as he leads Opportunity International forward; deepening and expanding our impact for future generations.

With your continued support, we can keep building on our life-changing work.  Thank you.