Stories
The McDougals Celebrate 25 Years in the Opportunity International Family
In 25 years of supporting Opportunity International, Governors Fred and Nancy McDougal say they’ve received more than they’ve given. Fred, founder of textbook publishing giant McDougal Littell (now Holt McDougal), first learned of Opportunity from his friend Dave K. Hardin, a former Opportunity board chair. The McDougals would later honor their friend through generous contributions to the Dave Hardin Expansion Fund, which significantly expanded Opportunity’s impact. Fred also served on the…
Read MoreClients Stand Up and Speak Up on UN Human Rights Day
December 10 is UN Human Rights Day, an opportunity to celebrate universal human rights and advocate for the full enjoyment of all rights by all people, regardless of geography, gender, race or socioeconomic status. This year, Human Rights Day spotlights the rights of all people to make their voices heard in public life and to participate in political decision-making. Opportunity Ghana client Patience Fofo Lartey is dedicated to empowering local women to find a voice and earn the respect of their…
Read MoreServing the Whole Person with Opportunity’s Transformation Program
“It’s the dignity of it” was how one African loan client expressed herself to an off-duty staff member standing in line at an Opportunity International bank. She knew she had achieved success through the work of her own hands. Four million such stories play out each day all over the world as Opportunity strives to provide clients with the products and services they need to achieve economic, personal and social transformation. “Poverty is not just a deficit, not just a lack of resources,…
Read MoreInvest in Education Innovators with Opportunity
dEducation is the single largest determining factor for future economic status. Yet, 130 million young people worldwide are not in school — and 70% of them are girls. If a girl cannot complete secondary school, she is at a higher risk of illiteracy, HIV and early marriage, offering little chance of reaching her potential. Comfort Appiah saw that the children in her neighborhood needed access to a quality education. Today, she is an education finance loan client with Opportunity International and…
Read MoreSix Powerful Women Taking Action: The Power of One to Make a Difference
We believe in the power of one woman to make a difference. This week, we found stories of six women who are doing their part to impact the lives of many, in their communities and around the world. Each story shows the unique power of one woman, no matter where she is in the world and what trials she has to face. Do you know a story about a woman making a difference? Share her story with us in a comment below! Amy Purdy—The amputee is the founder of Adaptive Action Sports, which creates action…
Read MoreHoliday Giving Guide: Citi Foundation, One Woman and a Gift Card of Opportunity
This year, Opportunity International has unique and interactive ways to give the gift of opportunity to more than four million clients around the world that will not only do good, but will make you feel great. Here are a few of our favorite ways for you to partner with us this holiday season. Your gift will empower families around the world. 1. City A.M.‘s Appeal for Opportunity, Backed by the Citi Foundation In a recent City A.M. article, Citigroup’s global director of microfinance, Bob Annibale,…
Read MoreOpportunity International Honors World AIDS Day
December 1, 2012 is World AIDS Day. Today, we at Opportunity International stand with millions around the world, including our clients, in the fight against HIV/AIDS. As an organization that offers AIDS education in some of the world’s hardest hit communities, we look forward to the day when families, friends and clients are freed from the yoke of this disease. Today, millions of people worldwide will pause to reflect on the global pandemic that has done so much to define this century of human…
Read MoreTwenty-five Years of Impact: Opportunity International’s Board of Governors
This year, Opportunity International marks the 25th anniversary of our Board of Governors program. The Governors’ long-time impact is a testament to the power of one person, one family and one community of people to change the world. Governors serve as ambassadors for our work and make annual contributions of $5,000 or more to further Opportunity’s mission worldwide. Governors often make Opportunity a part of their estate plan, and may have a heart for a special project or campaign that they…
Read MoreMinnesota Supporters Spin, Discuss and Dine, Taking Action for our Clients
This November, Opportunity International supporters in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area were busy holding fundraising and awareness-raising events for the sake of our clients. Meet two Minnesota supporters — Cassie Burns and Steve Waters — who each share their experiences hosting recent get-togethers in their hometown. Cassie was co-host of a panel discussion with local women leaders, moderated by Opportunity CEO Vicki Escarra with keynote speaker Bonnie St. John, co-author of the book “How Great…
Read MoreWhat We’re Reading: Malin Akerman’s Commitment to Opportunity featured in Us Weekly
Malin Akerman — actress and Opportunity International supporter — was featured this week in the Dec. 3 print edition of “Us Weekly.” In it, Malin talks about her trip to Tanzania in March and her visit to see our entrepreneurial high school at Nicaragua in July. We’re thrilled to see Malin’s passion for our work on the page! If you get the chance to pick up a copy, check her out on page 94. See more of Malin’s commitment to Opportunity and you’ll be as inspired as we are by her dedication.…
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