Share this post Milagro’s name means miracle—a fitting name for a woman whose story captures both the hardship and hope faced by millions of refugees around the world. Eight years ago, Milagro fled Venezuela with her husband and two children, escaping violence and economic collapse in search of a better life in Colombia. But safety did […]
Financial Inclusion for Refugees: Let’s Start Where Stability Begins Read More »
From the very beginning of her life, Teresa faced circumstances beyond her control – birthplace, family, and gender – which marked her for exclusion. Each day was a struggle, with basic necessities often out of reach. Economic opportunities were rare, and the effort to earn a small income took a toll on her emotionally and
Rewriting Narratives: Increasing Access and Removing Barriers to Financial Inclusion Read More »
Share this post For over 50 years, Opportunity International has been shining a light on the pathway out of poverty through financial inclusion. We are proud to be part of a movement that has helped millions of people find the strength, hope, and resilience needed to achieve their dreams. But our journey is far from
Share this post Ultra-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
How The Graduation Program Works: A Holistic Solution To Alleviate Ultra-Poverty Read More »
Share this post 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
Building Bridges to Financial Inclusion: The Vital Work of Our Implementing Partners Read More »
This is the last entry in my short blog series around financial inclusion. However, the topic could be the overarching theme of my entire blog going forward. All the clients we serve face significant barriers in their efforts to find a job or start a micro-enterprise to create an income. The work we do comes
Financial Inclusion #5: Removing Barriers Read More »
Financial inclusion is about inviting those trapped in systemic poverty to participate in the local economy. It’s about creating opportunities for people who have been marginalized in their communities. They can acquire new skills and access financial services that help unleash their potential to build a sustainable livelihood and provide for their family. Financial inclusion
Financial Inclusion #4: It Takes A Village Savings & Loan Association Read More »
Continuing this short blog series where l am exploring what financial inclusion looks like in practice in the field, journey with me to Kumasi, Ghana. Located in central Ghana, Kumasi is the hereditary home of the Ashanti Kingdom. It is also the headquarters of Sinapi Aba Savings and Loans (SASL), one of our Implementing Partners
Financial Inclusion #3: Women’s Mentorship Read More »
In this blog series, I am reflecting on the concept of inclusion as it relates to the work of Opportunity International Canada. Our vision is a world in which all people have the opportunity to achieve a life free from poverty, with dignity and purpose. The gap between this vision and the reality for hundreds
Financial Inclusion #2: Flat Tires in Haiti Read More »
Opportunity International Canada is a charity focused on providing sustainable solutions to global ultra-poverty through financial inclusion. Over the next few weeks, I will reflect on our work through the filter of this concept of inclusion. The Oxford English Dictionary defines inclusion as “the action or state of including or of being included within a
Financial Inclusion #1 Read More »
