Introduction
A fantastic partnership has arisen from one Rotarian’s visit to see Opportunity at work in Malawi. Inspired by his visit, Alan French encouraged the clubs in his Rotary district to raise funds to expand Opportunity International’s work in the Kasungu area of Malawi.

Alan commented, “I have been absolutely delighted that Rotarians have been really inspired to provide capital for small loans to enable chronically poor self employed people in Kasungu, Malawi to become self sufficient.”

Starting block
Malawi is an extremely poor country, ranking 153 out of 169 countries on the UNDPs Human Development Index. 29% of the population are defined as malnourished with an expected 1 in 10 children dying before they reach the age of 5. The average annual household expenditure is just $273.

By funding ‘micro’ business loans, Rotarians can help alleviate the situation by increasing the economic freedom and opportunities of poor people.

First stage
A fund raising project was initiated involving 54 out of the 60 clubs in Rotary District 1090, clubs in District D1710 in France and other Rotary clubs around the UK regularly contributing to the OIBM trust bank scheme set up in the Kasungu area of Malawi. Since 2007, nearly £75,000 has so far been raised and sent to OIBM in Malawi.

Edward Fox, CEO of Opportunity International UK, remarked: “Rotary Clubs in the region have become part of a working solution in the fight against global poverty. I respect their commitment in supporting Opportunity International Bank of Malawi and we are grateful for their tremendous effort to fundraise for us in this way and for joining us in the fight against poverty through microfinance.”