October 10 – 17, 2010
Kenya
Opportunity International invites you to join us as we discover how microfinance services empower people to provide food, housing, education and healthcare for their families and take leadership roles in strengthening their communities. Learn about the vision of Opportunity Kenya and attend Trust Group meetings to see how a small loan, savings, insurance and training can transform lives.
Each morning, put on your walking shoes to be inspired by the richness found in the life experiences of our clients, loan officers and staff as you explore their world. You will participate in a meaningful service project with children to give a better understanding of the challenges of being poor and the joy of giving back.
Through these experiences, you’ll be able to envision a world where each and every person has fair access to economic opportunities, along with the inspiration to move beyond poverty. You’ll also have a renewed sense of how you personally can help make that world a reality.
Rwanda
In the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” discover firsthand how Opportunity International’s microfinance services can help bring reconciliation to people recovering from the 1994 genocide. Meet rural clients served by our new mobile bank, and learn about our plans for launching bank branches throughout Rwanda. Visit our newest branch in the Nyamata slum, which is helping displaced families work their way out of poverty. Open your own account at Opportunity Rwanda, the country’s fastestgrowing bank, where clients can save securely with an initial deposit of only $.25.
Watch as our Trust Group clients receive training on business, social and health issues, including HIV/AIDS. Visit individual members’ homes and places of business to learn how Opportunity’s other financial services—
loans, savings and insurance—help transform the lives of families and entire communities.
Conclude your trip with a hike up a mountainside to see the majestic silverback gorillas. Depart from Rwanda with new friends and a renewed vision of how you personally can help end global poverty.
Itinerary
Sunday, October 10: Arrive in Nairobi. Local Opportunity staff will meet you upon your arrival and take you to the Nairobi Serena Hotel.
Monday, October 11: Sleep in and after a late breakfast, travel to Masai Market to see and shop for crafts made by the local Masai people. In the afternoon, discover the animals at the Nairobi National Park. Nairobi National Park is a unique ecosystem it is the only protected area in the world close to a capital city. Expect to see major wildlife as 400 species live in this park. Enjoy an early dinner and trip orientation.
Tuesday, October 12: After breakfast, head to Opportunity’s branch to mee the CEO and staff participating in devotions. In the afternoon, grab your camera and head to the the field to visit a couple of our inspirational loan officers and clients.
Wednesday, October 13: After breakfast, head into the field to join Trust Group meetings and visit individual Trust Group. Hear their stories, learn about their businesses, and find out more about how they are working their way out of poverty. After lunch, visit a client’s school for children where you will participate in fun activities throughout the day and fall in love with the children of Kenya.
Thursday, October 14: Early morning, fly to Rwanda. Check in to Kigali Serena Lodge then depart to Opportunity Rwanda and enjoy a presentation by local leadership. Enjoy another inspiring day with Trust Group Clients at their meeting and in their places of business. In the evening, depart for Ruenghiri and check into
the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. The lodge, situated in the foothills of the mighty Virungas, the chain of 15,000 ft. volcanoes stretching through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with wonderful views of the volcanoes and the surrounding countryside.
Friday, October 15: Rise early to take a gorilla trek at Volcanoes National Park. Experience the viewing of silverback gorillas in their natural habitat.
Saturday, October 16: After breakfast, depart for a memorable tour of the National Genocide Museum – a must see when visiting Kigali. Check in to the Kigali Serena Hotel for a last night of reflection over the past week’s adventure.
Sunday, October 17: Return home from this life-changing trip with lasting memories, new friends and a renewed vision for how you can help end global poverty.
