Stories
#Mifimon: BRAC’s "Microfinance Plus" Approach
The following is a guest post by Jessica Elisberg from Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX). Interested in learning about microfinance? Follow our biweekly Twitter discussion group #mifimon (because Microfinance Mondays was too long for Twitter’s 140-character limit!) The aim is to host an exchange of ideas about issues relevant to the microfinance industry. You’re welcome to lend your voice, whether you’re a practitioner in the field or a newbie just learning the basics. Just end your…
Read MoreHonoring Those Who Increase Opportunities for Women
On a sparkling Saturday evening in Washington D.C., the Women’s Opportunity Network of Opportunity International honored a pioneering program and a special staff member in the field who are making an impact on women’s lives in the developing world. The first International Women’s Leadership Award of the night went to Teddy Ajiku, who has held a wide range of positions in her 10 years at Opportunity Uganda, from loan officer to branch manager, to her current position as international education…
Read MoreLive from the Smithonian Institution: One Hen Awarded Best Book for Young Children
The Outreach Council of the African Studies Association annually salutes the authors and illustrators of outstanding books about Africa published or distributed in the United States for young children and older readers. Today, Katie Smith Milway’s One Hen: How One Loan Made a Big Difference is commended for the life lessons it instills in youth, teaching them that one small act can have a profound impact. I can’t think of a better venue for this youth-driven ceremony than the Smithsonian…
Read MoreLive from International Reading Association: One Hen sparks conversation among Educators
After a great morning with the students at Sidwell Friends School, I had the pleasure of joining Katie at the International Reading Association for an engaging panel discussion on Friday afternoon. The evolution of One Hen and its transformation from text to technology has spawned a stimulating conversation amongst a panel of educators and their ongoing involvement with One Hen’s curriculum in the classroom. One Hen’s interactive website, (www.onehen.org), has been widely acclaimed…
Read MoreTeaching Children the Power of Microfinance: Sidwell Friend’s School in Washington D.C.
The 6th graders at Sidwell Friend’s School in Washington D.C. eagerly welcomed Katie Smith Milway this morning, author of children’s book, One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference, a story that teaches children the power of microfinance to transform lives. This occasion marks the beginning of multiple events in D.C. this weekend as Katie prepares to receive the award for Best Book for Young Children on Saturday at the Children’s Africana Book Awards Ceremony. Thanks to Kids Can…
Read MoreOpportunity CEO Advocates Bottom-up Approach to Economic Development
In a speech on Thursday October 29th to the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations, Opportunity CEO Kadita “A.T.” Tshibaka cited many things he learned while working in emerging markets at Citibank and Lloyds TSB Group for over 35 years. One is that a bottom-up approach to economic development is generally the most effective. Kadita said, “We cannot only rely on national initiatives or macro-economic policies to foster the sort of growth and stability that these markets so desperately need.…
Read MoreLive: Roger Thurow Insists There is "Enough."
Roger Thurow and Scott Kilman’s compelling book Enough: Why the World’s Poorest Starve in an Age of Plenty tells the story of the world’s food. It raises the question of supply and demand, which is easy to understand even if you were not an economics major. There is enough food to feed everyone in the world. There are enough people to ensure that food gets produced and distributed. Then why are there people living with nothing? Thurow’s intent is to outrage, and to inspire. His goal is…
Read MoreLive From The Opportunity International Board of Governors Conference Fall 2009
It’s about encouragement. It’s about inspiration. It’s about coming together on behalf of those living in chronic poverty. The Opportunity International Board of Governors Conference brings Opportunity supporters from all over the country to one location for one common purpose: to serve the poor. They hear stories from the field, learn about new trends in microfinance, and discover how to share their own stories in such a way that they honor Opportunity’s incredible clients worldwide. This…
Read MoreLive: CEO Kadita "A.T." Tshibaka Kicks off the Board of Governors Conference
I have always admired Opportunity International CEO Kadita “A.T.” Tshibaka. He has a way of coming into a room and making everyone feel special. And blessed. And happy. And empowered. He is able to connect with everyone–from a client in the field to a banking executive. Today is no exception. “A.T.” (as he is warmly called by his colleagues, friends, and family) expressed deep gratitude for the involvement of Opportunity’s supporters, and opened the Board of Governor’s Conference…
Read MoreDaniel Taylor: Tell Me A Story
Hi! Let me tell you a story. Doesn’t your body, your soul just lean in a bit when you hear that? Oh please, tell me! Human beings live in stories. Today, Opportunity International’s Board of Governors begins its fall conference – Share her story, Change your world. Daniel Taylor, a professor of literature and writing at Bethel University in Minnesota and a supporter of Opportunity for over 20 years, kicked off the conference. “Stories,” he said, “are the way we make sense of the world.…
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