In February this year I went to Uganda and Rwanda to see some of our projects on the ground. I visited schools supported by our education programmes, Trust Groups providing job creation and farmers who are part of our agriculture programmes.

In each case I saw for myself and heard from many people that loans provided by us have not only transformed their lives but were impacting their children through help with their education. It was a humbling experience to see how, despite many challenges and disadvantages, our clients are building better lives for themselves, their families and the wider community.

Your generous support is helping these clients realise their ambitions. You are equipping people in some of the poorest communities to become economically empowered and work towards a brighter future. Thank you.

As the new chairman of Opportunity International’s UK board, I feel honoured to serve these aspiring clients and to serve you, our committed supporters. I am determined to see us deepen and strengthen our impact, for the better, in the countries and communities where we work. I look ahead, ambitious for the future and hopeful that together we will enable more people to work their way out of poverty.

Cliff Hampton is Chair of the UK Board.  Here he meets Esperance Kabayana - School Head of Rwimiyaga Technical School in Nyagatera District, Rwanda.