Multi-dimensional poverty is a harsh reality affecting millions of families worldwide. It refers to a state where individuals and families lack access to basic needs such as food, clean water, and safe shelter. Additionally, it encompasses issues like low self-esteem, social isolation, and a lack of economic opportunities. Without comprehensive intervention including community support and … Read more

Financial inclusion, providing access to financial services to marginalized communities, has gained significant attention in recent years. The success of financial inclusion goes beyond providing access to loans and banking services. It hinges on establishing robust relationships with local partners, who play a crucial role in ensuring sustainability.  This year, Opportunity International Canada celebrates 25 … Read more

In recent blog posts, I have been reflecting on our work at Opportunity International Canada (OIC) through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first and foundational SDG is “No Poverty”. Today, October 17, 2022, is recognized as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, and the theme for this … Read more

In 2021, we at Opportunity International Canada are focused on helping clients rebuild their livelihoods, so that they can thrive as they emerge from this pandemic. A sustainable livelihood is one of the most powerful pathways out of poverty, increasing household incomes so that parents can provide for the basic needs of their families – … Read more

On October 3, people young and old across Canada participated in the 2020 Ride for Refuge to raise funds and awareness for the work of Opportunity International Canada.  This was the second year that Opportunity Canada participated in the Ride and due to the restrictions of Covid-19, the event was opened up to a range of events that participants … Read more

THE TIN SHACK is at the end of a row of shacks located under the shadow of a large bridge, next to a large river and beside a seething garbage dump.  The river floods a couple times a year, swamping the ground floor under two feet of water.  Here, in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, … Read more

The following post was originally published on LinkedIn on May 12, 2020. It was written by Sam Bickersteth and Deborah Foy are respectively Chief Executive and Senior Advisor of Opportunity International UK.   The COVID-19 crisis has already hit the poor hard, and will hit them harder. Microfinance Institutions are close to affected groups and provide an essential … Read more

Amidst the numbers, worrying news, and uncertainty for the future, the sense that we are all connected in this experience bring us together at this time.  Many of us involved with Opportunity International Canada — donors and staff — have had the amazing experience of visiting our clients. This usually takes the form of an Insight … Read more

“The poor inspire us to overcome difficulty and not give up.” Mark Lutz, UnPoverty   What a week we’ve been through and it’s only the beginning! I have been so inspired by “caremongers” delivering food to seniors, hardware stores donating masks to hospitals, distillers making hand sanitizer, and musicians singing from their balconies. It has reminded me … Read more

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