Our 2013 Spirit of Opportunity Christmas appeal raised valuable funds for a four-year project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  The project, in partnership with the UK Government’s Department for International Development, set out to expand our reach to people living in one of the poorest countries in the world. 

Only 12% of people own a bank account in the DRC.  It is a fragile country with a delicate political and financial infrastructure. 

Despite these challenges the project has been a real success with over 10,000 families and communities working towards a better future.   Here’s a snapshot of the impact your support has enabled:

• 10,023 entrepreneurs received loans to improve their businesses.  With 98% of these loans being repaid, and therefore recycled, even more people will get the chance to grow their business.  
• Over 8,000 jobs have been created. 
• 100% of clients interviewed said they had seen a big improvement in their living standards.
• Thousands of men and women have participated in financial training.  Many female participants said they are now involved in key household spending decisions around education of children, health services, access to quality food and improved housing.
• 75% of new clients are women. 

We could not have done this without you.  Because of you, thousands of men and women, like Regina, are now able to work for a better future.  

Meet Regina 
Regina has a passion for teaching.  After seeing a lack of good local schools in her community she began teaching local children for free in a library. 

With little resources she came to Opportunity International for a loan and training on how to grow and develop her school.  She used her first loan to purchase a basic building (which has no electricity) and benches for seating and desks. 

The school now has 53 pupils attending regularly and Regina employs three people to help run the school.  Currency devaluation in the DRC has been a big challenge for Regina.  With support through financial training, she now plans to price in US dollars in order to give her more stability. 

Regina is delighted that she can help her pupils learn to read and work towards a prosperous future.  She has always had a passion for educating young children and now she is building her dream of providing a high standard of education to disadvantaged children in her community.