Strategic Partner: Credit Suisse

Strategic Partner: Credit Suisse

Credit Suisse Supports Opportunity International's expansion of cutting-edge microfinance banking technologies. Learn More »

Strategic Partner: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Strategic Partner: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates and MasterCard Foundations Partner with Opportunity International to Provide Financial Access to 1.4 Million of the Rural Poor in Africa. Learn more »

Opportunity International Microfinance Conference

Opportunity International Microfinance Conference

Opportunity International will host its 2010 Fall Microfinance Conference for people who want to learn more about microfinance and our work to bring financial services to people living in poverty in the developing world. Learn More »

Annual Report: 2009

Annual Report: 2009

We and our supporters stand alongside our clients as equal partners in the fight against poverty. Our task is to create powerful microfinance tools and make them accessible to even the most marginalized people. Read the 2009 Annual Report »

Banking on Africa

Banking on Africa

Opportunity International has a bold vision to bring life-changing financial services to five million impoverished people in sub-Saharan Africa over the next five years through our Banking on Africa Campaign. Learn More »

Breaking Bread

Breaking Bread

The best ideas are shared over food… so share your ideas and your inspiration for global change with family and friends by “Breaking Bread for Microfinance.”


Opportunity International provides microfinance loans, savings, insurance and training to over two million people working their way out of poverty in the developing world.


Learn more about our work in over 20 countries »


Slideshows

  • Ruth Nassimbwa was in business for years, but until she received an Opportunity loan in 2006, she had difficulty purchasing inventory for her Kalerwe Market stall in Kampala.
  • When her husband died, Rosemary Namande started a school for infants in makeshift quarters as a way to support her own family and help others at the same time.
  • Rayusa Muzalila of Kiganda, Uganda, has used Opportunity loans to expand her grocery and start a textile business. With her increased profits, she has opened her first-ever savings account with Opportunity.
  • The Nyamata branch of the Urwego Opportunity Bank (UOB) of Rwanda.
  • John Chimkango a loan officer with the Opportunity International Bank of Malawi meets with members of the Chigumukire Trust Group.
  • Loan officer Maximos Biyazawo meets with members of the Chilambo ("The Country") Trust Group near Lilongwe, Malawi.
  • Client Milly Nassuna makes a savings deposit at Opportunity’s bank branch near the Kalerwe Market.
  • Padmavathy was surprised and relieved when Opportunity insurance covered her daughter’s urgent surgery. Not only did she receive the care she needed, but Padmavathy was spared the burden of a significant debt. Here she reviews insurance forms with her loan officer, Rajeswari.
  • Ruth Nassimbwa signs paperwork at the weekly Progressive Trust Group meeting.
  • Opportunity client Nuulu Nankya teaches preschoolers at Ladybird School, adjacent to the Kalerwe Market.
  • The work of client Maria de los Angeles Ordjonez, Valle de Angeles, Honduras.
  • Client Margaret Nassozi sews Ladybird School’s uniforms as well as dresses at her tailor shop just outside the school.
  • Client Jemmalyn Alcantara, Manila, Philippines
  • Loan officer Valamarthi (left) helped Deepa, a client from a marginalized gypsy community, start a container business.
  • In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, loan officer Rehema Paul (left) meets with the Mshikamano-B Trust Group.
  • Our mobile banking in the Rwamagana District of Rwanda serves remote clients.
  • One of millions displaced by violence in Colombia, client Argelia Ramirez (right) says “Now I feel safe and grateful to God for my new life.”
  • at 17, Jorge Gepez learns about business at Opportunity’s Entrepreneurship training program in Colombia.
  • Trust Group members Rubi Anillo (left) and Sandra Marquez record their weekly loan payments in San Jacinto, Colombia.
  • Client Dorothy Makupe and her baby Ethel, Mulanje, Malawi Photo by Zsofia Molnar
  • When R. Jeyanthi became an Opportunity loan officer three years ago, she crisscrossed the streets of Chennai on her bicycle, forming 29 Trust Groups with 535 members along the way.
  • Shown here meeting with Godfrey Lutwama at his stall, loan officer Charity Namutebi says that helping others thrive is her way of serving God.
  • Opportunity managers attend leadership classes at Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya.
  • In the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, Margaret Wangui can now use her cell phone to make financial transactions from the convenience of her restaurant.
  • Opportunity’s point-of-sale (POS) device brings banking services to our clients at this agriculture supply store in Malawi. Owner Rafi k Latiff (left) discusses POS usage with Webster Mbekeani, head of mobile marketing.
  • Client using an Opportunity ATM in Blantyre, Malawi
  • Fresh produce at a market stall in Malawi.
  • Students in Namirembe Hill Primary School, Kampala, Uganda
  • Students at Bright Community Nursery and Primary School in Kyebando, Uganda.
  • Emmanuel Zakia, one of two family members employed by loan client Kagimu Ceasar, makes paintings for tourists in Kampala, Uganda.

Events


09/12/2010 Chicago Half Marathon & 5K more »


09/25/2010 Insight Trip: Malawi and Tanzania more »


10/05/2010 Insight Trip: Colombia more »


10/08/2010 Opportunity Microfinance Conference more »


10/10/2010 Insight Trip: Kenya and Rwanda more »


View All Events »


Take Action


Take action to support our work in microfinance, providing financial services such as loans, savings, insurance, and training to people living in poverty. Fund the loan of an entrepreneur at optinnow.org, give a donation, and find other ways to be involved in Opportunity’s work to eradicate poverty in the developing world.

Fund an entrepreneur’s loan now »

Learn more about microfinance »

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