WON’s Key Initiatives

One year ago, Sarah Byamukama’s stall in the Owino Market in Kampala, Uganda, burned to the ground. Fortunately, Opportunity insurance covered her loan and she was able to take out a new loan to rebuild her secondhand clothing business.

One year ago, Sarah Byamukama’s stall in the Owino Market in Kampala, Uganda, burned to the ground. Fortunately, Opportunity insurance covered her loan and she was able to take out a new loan to rebuild her secondhand clothing business.

WON champions major initiatives, including:

  • $4.6 million Uganda campaign to support the expansion of Opportunity International’s banking services to Ugandan women, including those living in rural areas.
  • $10 million Banking on Education campaign to provide loans to entrepreneurs to expand neighborhood schools for children living in poverty.
  • One Hen program to create educational events that bring the lessons of microfinance to life in the classroom. Based on the children’s book One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference, the curriculum illustrates the difference people can make in their own lives by taking personal initiative, and the difference they can make in others’ by giving back.

Related Photos

  • 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.
  • Client Milly Nassuna makes a savings deposit at Opportunity’s bank branch near the Kalerwe Market of Kampala, Uganda.
  • 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.
  • Client Margaret Nassozi sews Ladybird School’s uniforms as well as dresses at her tailor shop just outside the school.