August 2-7
Malawi
Visit Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, also known as the “warm heart of Africa.” The pleasant weather, colorful markets and friendly people make Lilongwe one of the more popular cities in the sub-Saharan region in Africa.
Put on your walking shoes each morning, head into the field and be inspired by the richness found in the life experiences of our clients, loan officers and staff. As you explore their world, discover the transformational impact on families and their communities of our loans, savings, insurance and training.
Visit with school owners receiving Opportunity loans and providing private school education for children who might never have had the chance to go to school. Learn about our strategic Education Finance program that aims at educating children so that one day they might not need a microloan.
Witness our mobile banks bringing financial services to the rural poor for the first time in their lives. Meet some of the farmers receiving our loans and learn about our Agricultural Finance program. Hear stories of our clients’ struggles and successes and see development in action. Meet with senior leadership at our thriving bank in Malawi and hear about the new financial products we are now able to offer to our clients.
Mozambique
Fly to nearby Maputo, Mozambique (via an overnight stop in Johannesburg). Spend a brief time meeting our staff and learning about our banking operations. After a hectic few days of being in the field, relax by the ocean before heading home with unforgettable memories of our hardworking clients and new ideas on how you can help alleviate global poverty.
Itinerary
Monday, August 2: Arrive in Lilongwe, Malawi. Local Opportunity staff will meet you and take you to Opportunity’s main branch office for a tour and presentation by senior management. After the office visit, check in to the Kumbali Lodge (www.kumbalilodge.com) and have dinnerwith our CEO and other bank leadership.
Tuesday, August 3: After breakfast, see the Education Finance program in action in the field. Meet with the proprietors of private schools who are receiving Opportunity loans, meet the teachers and experience the impact of education on the lives of many children who had not been attending school. We’ll bring a packed lunch since we’ll be on the go all day. Dinner with bank staff and overnight at the Kumbali Lodge.
Wednesday, August 4: After breakfast, take in the sights and sounds of Malawi as we drive to a rural area outside Lilongwe with Opportunity’s agriculture advisor who will share insights into our Agriculture Finance program and our efforts to serve the rural poor. Witness firsthand our mobile banking efforts and learn about the new technology initiatives to bring financial services to our clients. We’ll bring a packed lunch since we’ll be on the go all day. Dinner and overnight at the Kumbali Lodge.
Thursday, August 5: Enjoy the morning by visiting clients in the vibrant Fetchtoto marketplace. Depart early afternoon for Johannesburg and check in to the The Westcliff hotel. Your evening is free. Friday, August 6: Depart after breakfast for Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. Local Opportunity staff will meet you
and take you to lunch. After visiting with some clients, check in to the Southern Sun hotel ( www.southernsun.com). Dinner and overnight at the Southern Sun.
Saturday, August 7: Relax with a leisurely morning and afternoon by the ocean, go sightseeing or enjoy another activity. Depart Mozambique with a deeper understanding of the impact of Opportunity’s programs on transforming lives and a renewed vision for how you personally can help end global poverty.
