OptINnow News

One Hen: How One Small Loan Makes a Big

Fri, 01 May 2009 14:13:33 -0700

Once upon a time, in Ghana, the oldest boy from a poor family was burdened with the responsibility of helping his mother provide for his siblings after his father suddenly died. He began by collecting and selling firewood, but their lives changed forever when he received a small loan to buy a hen. Given the chance to work himself out of poverty, he eventually built a flock of 25 hens and earned enough money to feed and educate himself and his family. As an adult, his chicken farm became the largest in West Africa, and he was able to hire neighbors and create opportunities for generations of families in his community.
The tale is inspired by the remarkable true story of Dr. Kwabena Darko, former chairman of the board of directors of Opportunity International Ghana. His triumph over adversity through microfinance is now the basis for an award-winning children’s book by Katie Smith Milway titled One Hen, released by Kids Can Press. The book is supplemented by an interactive Web site www.OneHen.org, where children play interactive games to learn about microfinance and teachers can download curriculum.
One Hen tells the inspirational story of Kojo, a boy from Ghana who, like Darko, uses one small loan to buy a hen, build up his business, transform his family’s life and provide a livelihood for generations of villagers. The book also offers a window into the power of microfinance to help the poorest people in the world work their way out of poverty.
“One Hen teaches kids that one person can make a difference in the lives of many,” Milway said. “The story educates children about entrepreneurship, finance and giving everyone a chance. It is the kind of approach to development that every child who has run a lemonade stand can grasp.”
Through One Hen, children everywhere will see that a hand up, not a hand out can make a big difference. With one small loan, an entrepreneur in a developing nation has the ability to build a business and a future for her or his family. In its final pages, One Hen explains how microfinance works and includes relevant information for children to explore.
How Microfinance Transforms Lives in the Developing World
For Darko, the book is a chance to share his story and teach people the power of microfinance.
“There were many mornings my mother woke up and did not know how she was going to provide food for her children that evening,” said Darko. “My mother and I each worked almost 20 hours a day so my siblings and I could eat just a little bit of food everyday. Today our farm is the one of the largest in West Africa and we’ve been able to employ hundreds of people from our community and help them provide for their families.”
As business increased, Darko also began disbursing loans to others through a trust named Sinapi Aba that became part of Opportunity International, one of the world’s largest microfinance organizations, that earlier gave Darko his loans and business training. Today, as one of the top microfinance success stories, Darko works tirelessly across Africa to share his story, motivate others and teach business management. Through his efforts, he has been dubbed by many as a father of microfinance.
“I often tell people that when I was young and struggling, somebody gave me a chance,” said Darko. “All I want to do now is to be part of something that gives young people the same chance to succeed.”
Web Site Uses Interactive Games to Teach In addition to the book, an interactive Web site – www.OneHen.org – has been created to enable children to interact one-on-one with the world of microfinance. The site also provides educational resources for parents and teachers.
Developed by Sapient Interactive and Bain & Company’s CommunityWorks program as a pro-bono project, OneHen.org is designed to educate children and families as to the benefits of microfinance. The site, which has won several awards, features interactive games where children can earn beads and then “loan” them to small businesses in a virtual marketplace. For each bead loaned, the site will make a donation to actual entrepreneurs through Opportunity International. The site includes information for parents to donate money, as well as curriculum for teachers and librarians provided by publisher Kids Can Press, which brings the book’s teachings to life. These lessons are hosted on the site with downloadable exercises for classroom learning.
One Hen is available through Amazon for $18.95 US and $19.95 Cdn. Visit www.OneHen.org for more information.

Omidyar Partners with Opportunity Int.

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:40:38 -0700

Opportunity International today announced it has received a $4.5 million grant from Omidyar Network. Opportunity will use the grant to design, create and implement new electronic and mobile banking technologies that will reduce transaction costs and make microfinance services available to more people in Sub-Saharan Africa. Omidyar Network, a philanthropic investment firm started by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife Pam, has committed more than $90 million to microfinance programs since 2004. Omidyar Network provided the $4.5 million grant to Opportunity International because of the organization’s leadership in developing and implementing innovative technologies that deliver financial services to the poor. Opportunity International will use the grant to launch an “electronic wallet” strategy in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda – countries where Opportunity has significant operations already, including banks and financial institutions. The strategy aims to develop the optimum mix of electronic banking technologies needed in each of these countries. “Omidyar Network is pleased to be working with Opportunity International on this innovative microfinance initiative,” said Matt Bannick, managing partner, Omidyar Network. “Opportunity International has made significant progress in modernizing microfinance delivery channels and openly shares its knowledge to help advance the entire industry. This collaborative spirit, along with a scalable, technology-based model, makes Opportunity International a natural fit for Omidyar Network.” Optimizing Technology Differs in Each Country The first step of the effort is to establish new telecommunications solutions in each of the eight African countries mentioned previously. Opportunity will test and implement satellite and broadband Internet connectivity that enables faster, more reliable service connections to branch banks and provides the needed banking infrastructure to lower costs of servicing small loans and savings accounts for the poor. In Ghana and Rwanda, Opportunity International will import its technology now in extensive use in the Philippines to connect to each country’s developing national payment system. This capability will improve the availability of financial services, timeliness of transaction reporting and security of client banking, as well as reduce the cost of banking transactions. “In countries where national payment systems exist, like Malawi, the Philippines and across Eastern Europe, we have been able to greatly expand services to the poor,” explained Kadita “A.T.” Tshibaka, president and CEO of Opportunity International. “Our clients can now make deposits at the end of the business day via ATM and retail point-of-sale outlets instead of having to carry cash home with them, which greatly increases their safety and security, not to mention their efficiency.” Cellular phone technology is an alternate method for performing banking transactions in countries that lack a national payment system. Opportunity International is developing mobile phone banking solutions to support the electronic transfer of deposits and withdrawals for its clients. Through its work, the organization expects to enable more than 250,000 clients to conduct 36 million transactions across five countries. In addition, loan officers will be able to carry mobile phone devices to collect bill payments and provide receipts and other services to its clients in rural Africa. "Omidyar Network's expertise and partnership for determining the appropriate mix of microfinance delivery channels and technologies needed in the region is invaluable," Tshibaka said. “Their grant will enable us to help more of the working poor across Africa lift themselves – and their families – out of poverty, faster.” Sharing Knowledge with the Microfinance Industry The Omidyar Network grant also will enable Opportunity International to share best practices with the entire microfinance industry. The organization will host technology symposia with microfinance leaders, develop white papers and conduct speaking engagements to document the lessons learned and provide demonstrations of its work. About Omidyar Network Omidyar Network is a philanthropic investment firm committed to creating opportunity for people. Established by Pierre Omidyar, the founder of eBay, and his wife Pam, Omidyar Network supports nonprofit and for-profit efforts that enable people around the world to improve their lives and make powerful contributions to their communities. Since 2004, Omidyar Network has funded a number of organizations in areas such as microfinance, social media and government transparency. To learn more about Omidyar Network, please visit www.omidyar.net.

Make a Difference Year Round

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:28:23 -0800

We'd like to offer a simple and lasting way to make a difference in the lives of the working poor in the developing world, who are impacted the most severely in difficult economic times.
One of the newest features of OptINnow is ‘Ongoing Giving.’ It enables you to both spread your charitable giving at an affordable level you choose, and it creates a virtuous cycle to help more people work themselves out of poverty by funding a new entrepreneur each time you make a gift, automatically.
It works like this: Sign up at www.OptINnow.org, click on ‘fund a loan’, and then click on the ‘start’ button to create an ongoing giving plan , pick a country (or two or three!), the amount you want to donate and how often you want to do so. It literally takes 20 seconds, and we’ll handle the rest.
You’ll receive updates so you always know exactly who you’re helping, and you can check your giving profile to track each of your loans. Join the movement to end global poverty even faster, with ongoing giving.

Social Networking and OptINnow!

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:19:43 -0800

We're all social butterflies. We like staying connected and sharing with friends and family. At OptINnow, we want to make sure we stay connected to you. We’ve got a page on Facebook and a profile on MySpace. Friend Us! We’re sharing photos on Flickr and video on YouTube. Check them out! We’ve even joined the conversation on Twitter. OptINnow is dedicated to being on the networks our supporters use most. Not a member? There is no better time to join! Staying connected to OptINnow via these channels is a great way to show your support and help spread the word!

Travis Taylor's "You Have Loved" Release

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:37:05 -0800

TRAVIS TAYLOR'S "YOU HAVE LOVED" HITS ALL MAJOR RETAIL OUTLETS FEBRUARY 3 New CD Released through Koch Entertainment Includes Four Bonus Tracks FRANKLIN, TN (February 3, 2009) - Recording artist, Travis Taylor, debuts his highly anticipated album "You Have Loved," February 3, through Koch Entertainment in conjunction with Periday Records. The CD, which has been available on iTunes and all digital outlets since October, includes four additional tracks by Taylor. ChristianMusicToday.com writes, "This is a great album by a budding songwriter who isn't afraid to bend the rules in order to make good music." Written by Taylor, and produced by Dwayne Larring (Matt Redman's "Where Angel's Fear to Tread", and Tim Hughes' "Here I Am To Worship.") the project contains songs that reach beyond the traditional worship album. "I am a worship leader at heart, but I also write songs about my wife; songs about my kids; songs that are just about everyday life," says Taylor. "I'm a songwriter who is inspired by Christ. I write songs out of that relationship." Taylor founded Periday Records in 2008 and has partnered with Koch Entertainment for multi-tired distribution. In addition to the release, a limited edition 12" vinyl LP is now available through Taylor's website and at live shows. Barry Landis, head of Koch's Christian division, comments, "All of us here at Koch Records Faith & Family are thrilled to introduce Travis Taylor to the world. There is something very special about being involved in the launch of a fresh new artist. Travis is a young man with something to say and he possesses the talent to communicate his message in a way that many will want to hear it." In addition to the album release, Taylor has recently partnered with OptINnow, a new initiative in the fight against global poverty. OptINnow is a micro-loan financing organization founded by Opportunity International with a goal to help 100 million poor people work their way out of poverty by 2015. For more information on OptINow visit www.optinnow.org. For more information on Travis Taylor visit: www.travistaylormusic.com

Give the Gift that “Multiplies”

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:34:38 -0800

Imagine giving a gift worth 10 times the amount you paid for it – one that honors the recipient and helps the world’s poor for years to come.

OptINnow.org offers gift cards for as little as $25 that help fund small business loans for entrepreneurs in the developing world. The loans help the working poor build businesses that feed families, send children to school and employ neighbors in their communities.

As the loan is paid back – as 98 percent are – the money is recycled, making it the gift that keeps on giving. A $25 donation becomes at least $250 over five years and helps provide 10 loans during that time.

A tax-deductible OptINnow™ gift card is an easy gift to give and a fun one to receive. Here’s how it works:

• Log on to OptINnow.org, and click on “OptINnow Gift Cards.”

• Fill in the amount and the recipient’s email address, and enclose a personal note.

• An email is sent to the recipient to visit OptINnow.org to pick a country, the type of business and a specific entrepreneur to support.

• Or, you can choose to print out the gift card instead.

U.S. Contributions Fully Tax-Deductible

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:42:28 -0800

Opportunity International is an IRS-approved tax exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which means that your contribution via OptINnow qualifies for a federal income tax deduction. All such cash gifts are deductible, up to 50% of your adjusted gross income annually. On OptINnow, you make a gift via credit card using Google Checkout, so your gift is complete as of the date it is posted to your account. Be sure to check with your employer; you may be eligible for a matching gift to make your donation go even further.

Ghana is Newest Country to Join OptINnow

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:41:48 -0800

Now you can choose entrepreneurs from Mexico, the Philippines, Kenya – and Ghana!

One of Opportunity International’s longest-standing partners, Sinapi Aba Trust, has more than 60,000 active loan clients in Ghana, a country where 70 percent of the country’s poor people live in rural areas. The poor have limited access to basic social services, safe water, all-weather roads, electricity and telephone services. With your donations to OptINnow.org, we can help many more entrepreneurs in Ghana with a hand up, not a handout.

Be sure to visit us often as new clients in a variety of businesses are being added to the site every week. And more countries are coming soon!

Check Out Our New 4-Star Rating

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:39:49 -0800

OptINnow 'parent' Opportunity International has gained the highest rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest and most utilized evaluator of charities. Charity Navigator awarded four out of four stars for Opportunity’s efficiency and effectiveness in managing its finances.

Opportunity's unique business model and a client loan repayment rate of 98 percent mean that supporters are able to provide benefits to the poor to a far greater extent than the actual dollars they contribute. As client loans are repaid, the money becomes available to be loaned again and again. Clients' savings accounts and borrowed financial funds add to the loan pool available to clients. Through this model, every $100 contributed to Opportunity International amounted to $274 in benefits to the poor in 2007.

For more information on the Charitable Navigator ranking, this link will take you to the ratings page on its site: Opportunity International.

Gates Foundation Leads Corporate Support

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:59:58 -0800

When you donate to OptINnow.org, you join a long list of prestigious corporations and foundations that give to Opportunity International:

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – three major grants to greatly expand insurance products to the poor in Africa, Asia and Latin America, and banks for the poor and technology innovations in Africa
Nike Foundation – a grant to provide microinsurance products to more than 500,000 adolescent girls in developing countries, starting this year in Uganda
John Deere Foundation -- new grant just awarded to provide increased access to financing for the hunger-afflicted in Malawi and Mozambique
Caterpillar Foundation – 2007 grant to expand microfinance banks in China and Africa and to provide families with financial protection against poverty and HIV/AIDS
Lenovo Corporation -- computer hardware donation to enable Opportunity to expand its high tech solutions to reach more of the world’s poor
UPS Foundation – enabling loans to 5,000 new clients in 15 countries, impacting more than 37,000 lives
Several major banks, including Wells Fargo, Citigroup and JP Morgan Chase