I expect that like me, your inbox has been flooded with COVID-19 emails, and I have been very hesitant to add yet one more. However, you support Opportunity International because you believe in our clients, and we wanted to let you know how our Implementing Partners and clients are faring during this crisis. Each country … Read more

On March 8, 2020, we celebrate International Women’s Day! Every year we recognize our female clients and their important role within their local communities. Women account for 97% of our loan clients as entrepreneurs, small to medium business owners, members of financial literacy and skill training programs, and trained health leaders in their communities. As … Read more

As the new Chair of the Board, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and anticipation for the years ahead. As a member of the Board, I have been humbled to see Opportunity International Canada’s vision come to life to deeply impact a multitude of clients in the developing world. I am thrilled to be part of … Read more

The Opportunity International logo is a circle of three colours, representing three groups of people who are interconnected in an inspiring journey of sustainable poverty alleviation. Orange for our donors – the Opportunity Tribe who make our work possible. Pink for the Opportunity Team – the Canadian and Global team of staff, Board Members, volunteers … Read more

AUTHOR’S NOTE: I AM DEEPLY INDEBTED TO CALUM SCOTT, GLOBAL IMPACT DIRECTOR, OPPORTUNITY INTERNATIONAL, FOR MUCH OF THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG. The 2019 Nobel Prize for Economics was recently awarded to Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer. It was awarded for their contributions in using randomized controlled trials (RCT) to better understand gaps in development. As The … Read more

Access to a quality education should be a basic right for children everywhere. In Canada, we take education for granted. When the Back to School sale signs start to appear, most kids bemoan the fast-approaching end of summer vacation. But these kids are in fact quite privileged to have access to a quality education here in Canada. … Read more

Michelangelo is known to have remarked “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” We were all hot and tired. It had been a very long day of inspiring visits with microfinance clients and with kids in the Investing Hope Foundation YES (Youth Entrepreneurship and Savings) Program. We were … Read more

 In the 21st century, I believe the mission of the United Nations will be defined by a new, more profound awareness of the sanctity and dignity of every human life, regardless of race or religion. – Kofi Anan This is my fifth and final entry in this Listening and Learning series as the new CEO of Opportunity … Read more

This is the fourth installment in my “listening and learning journey” as the new CEO of Opportunity International Canada.  My focus this month is on what I learned in Honduras, where I traveled in March to spend time with our local partner, and where I also had the honour of meeting several microfinance clients to … Read more