News & Stories Blog
World news on the fight to alleviate poverty – follow innovations in microfinance, technology and community development that are changing lives in developing countries.
Opportunity’s response to climate change
The global poverty agenda in 2021 was dominated by two of the biggest challenges our clients will ever face: the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, challenges that affect all of us, and are expected to push more than 100 million vulnerable households into poverty. These are challenges that affect our clients today, and in the future. In 2021, our partners in India and Indonesia helped clients through the pandemic, and with the support of our donors, we will continue to provide vaccination camps,…
Read MoreHelping COVID-19 patients breathe easier in Indonesia
In August 2021, Indonesia overtook India as the COVID-19 epicentre of Asia as the Delta variant spread and the country’s public health system became overwhelmed. In response to this humanitarian crisis, Opportunity worked to train five microfinance partners which reach over one million households, on critical modules of education on the prevention and management of COVID-19 and address hesitancy and misinformation related to vaccination. Opportunity and its partner YCAB Foundation also facilitated…
Read MoreInvesting in education for the future
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a health and economic crisis, but it has also been an education crisis – particularly for the world’s poorest children. At its peak, an estimated 1.6 billion learners in more than 190 countries were locked out of school. In a small village in West Java, Indonesia, 19-year-old Acu suffered through 68 weeks of school closures when he was trying to finish his final years of vocational high school. Acu lives in a makeshift home with his parents and seven-year-old sister…
Read MoreHelping businesses find their purpose
Alana and Joshua have been building and growing their own business in Australia for 20 years, with an arm of their business dedicated to helping those in need around the world. In August 2021, Alana and Joshua Nicholls founded an organisation called One Co. Foundation, which helps businesses find their purpose and have an impact on positive change in the world. Ten years ago they began franchising their electrical business. They had the idea that for each van they had on the road, they would sponsor…
Read MoreEmpowering women to break the bias
International Women’s Day is celebrated each year on 8 March. The theme for 2022 is Break the Bias, where we dream of a gender equal world, free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. Opportunity International Australia encourages all people to Break the Bias by empowering female entrepreneurs. In developing countries, women business owners hold the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Women’s spending is usually invested back into their household…
Read MoreA day in the life of Nikson
Sixteen-year-old Nikson’s day is a lot different to the average 16-year-old in Australia. Nikson is the eldest of three sons in a single-parent family living in a small rural village in Kupang, Indonesia. He was only five when his father left, but, as the eldest child, he felt he had to step up and help his family survive. His mother Marni relies on him to help with household chores and look after his brothers, all while keeping up with his studies. “I am the eldest, so I need to take care…
Read MoreMerry Christmas from Opportunity
On behalf of Opportunity International Australia, we wish you and your family a happy and safe Christmas. Thank you for your support in 2021. Warm regards, Opportunity International Australia team
Read MoreHow a rice co-op serves a community in Indonesia
Green shoots of hope Entrepreneurs are an extraordinary breed: a combination of hope – vision for the future – and the willingness to take action can make great things happen. In the countries in which Opportunity works, COVID-19 has curtailed people’s ability to earn a living. For remote-area farmers, lockdowns have meant few customers can come to them, and they can no longer travel to markets further afield. During the pandemic’s first wave, Opportunity partner TLM contacted every one of…
Read MoreMeet the entrepreneurs of India
Being willing to risk what little you have for a better life is a hallmark of Opportunity’s microentrepreneurial clients. What they borrow awakens drive, leadership, independence and leads to a sustainable future. Our clients demonstrate the power of hope and determination every single day. Buffeted by forces outside their control, from services that exclude them, climate change and the pandemic, these extraordinary women rise, and rise, and rise. We are proud to share their stories. Thanks to…
Read MoreEveryone’s story counts: Measuring what really matters
As we evolve, Opportunity is moving towards more meaningful metrics to assess the impact of our programs in addressing stigma and equity. The objectives and key results of our programs are often a balance between doing the greatest good for the greatest number - and serving communities with the highest unmet needs. Our health and women’s safety programs also tackle changing perceptions, norms and behaviours in topic areas that are often stigmatised. We recently conducted two studies which help…
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