About Opportunity International Australia
Opportunity International Australia: Empowering People to Work Their Way Out of Poverty
Opportunity International Australia is a non-profit organization that provides microfinance loans, insurance, and training to people in Asia who are working their way out of poverty. With over 6.8 million clients across the region, Opportunity International Australia is making a significant impact on the lives of individuals and communities.
The organization was founded in 1971 by Al Whittaker, an American businessman who wanted to help people in developing countries access financial services. Since then, Opportunity International has grown into a global network of organizations that operate in more than 20 countries around the world.
One of the key ways that Opportunity International Australia helps people is through microfinance loans. These are small loans that are provided to entrepreneurs who do not have access to traditional banking services. The loans can be used for a variety of purposes, such as starting or expanding a business or purchasing equipment or inventory.
In addition to providing loans, Opportunity International Australia also offers insurance products that help protect clients from unexpected events such as illness or natural disasters. This can be especially important for people living in poverty who may not have other forms of financial protection.
But Opportunity International Australia doesn't just provide financial services – they also offer training and support to help clients build their businesses and improve their livelihoods. This includes business skills training, mentoring programs, and access to networks and resources.
One example of how this approach has made a difference is with Sophea Chhun from Cambodia. Sophea received her first loan from Opportunity International Australia in 2009 and used it to start her own grocery store business. With subsequent loans and support from the organization's staff members, she was able to expand her business significantly over time.
Today, Sophea employs several staff members at her store and has been able to provide for her family's needs while also giving back to her community through charitable donations.
Opportunity International Australia's work has been recognized by numerous organizations around the world for its impact on poverty reduction. In 2019 alone they were awarded Best Microfinance Organization at the Australian Small Business Champion Awards; Best Social Enterprise at The Australian Charity Awards; Outstanding Achievement Award at The Global Good Awards UK; Finalist - Financial Inclusion Award - Ethical Finance Initiative UK; Finalist - Social Impact Investment Award - Ethical Finance Initiative UK
If you're interested in supporting this important work yourself there are many ways you can get involved with Opportunity international including donating money directly online via their website (https://www.opportunity.org.au/donate), volunteering your time or expertise as part of one their programs (https://www.opportunity.org.au/get-involved/volunteer) ,or even becoming an ambassador for them within your own community (https://www.opportunity.org.au/get-involved/become-an-ambassador).
In conclusion:
Opportunity international australia is doing incredible work empowering millions across Asia with microfinance solutions like small-scale lending options which allow entrepreneurs without traditional banking options access capital needed grow businesses while offering additional support like mentorship programs & networking opportunities so these same individuals can continue building successful futures free from poverty!