Economic opportunity
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Photo: Sean Sheridan for Mercy Corps
Markets, whether large or small, keep communities thriving. But conflicts, disasters and a lack of infrastructure can prevent people from conducting the daily transactions on which all growth and progress depend. Around the world, Mercy Corps discovers why commerce is stuck.
In some places, manufacturers need loans to purchase equipment and young people desire job skills. In others, key transportation routes to market must be rebuilt or farmers require better storage to keep their inventory fresh until sold.
Our economic development projects provide financing, equipment, training or technical support. These projects help people find jobs, build their businesses, supply their communities with the goods they need —and improve their lives.
All stories about Economic opportunity
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Uganda: ‘Staying lonely is not easy’ December 8, 2010
In a place for the displaced, two women share a common bond; one wisened and weathered, the other young, ambitious and full of ideas.
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Yemen: Engaging youth for a peaceful and productive future December 7, 2010
Mercy Corps opened offices in Yemen in October, 2010 to work with local partners to implement a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programme that engages young people in constructive community activities — thereby reducing their vulnerability to the negative influence of v
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Central African Republic: A source of strength to continue December 7, 2010
Women who have been abandoned or abused find a safe haven at Mercy Corps' listening centers — and the support they need to build a successful life.
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Haiti: What cash-for-work has (and hasn't) done for Haiti December 6, 2010
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Haiti: Assessing Mercy Corps' cash-for-work program in Haiti December 6, 2010
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Afghanistan: When entrepreneurs need a boost December 2, 2010
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Haiti: Testing out mobile money in Haiti November 30, 2010
Jokebed Auguste, 31, and Benita Bellevue, 29, walk side by side as we make our way to the Market St. Pierre, a local convenience store in Mirebalais.
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Kenya: Let the festivities begin! November 22, 2010
The other day on my Facebook wall, I wrote "Merry Christmas" and most of my friends told me that it was premature and way before time. But I differ with them. Reason: it’s the season of giving.
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Philippines: Texting her way to a better business November 19, 2010
San Miguel is a bustling neighborhood in the centre of Manila, home to many of the jeepney drivers and low-wage laborers that make up the city’s poor.
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Haiti: Venturing to Haiti November 19, 2010
I recently had the opportunity to join a trip to Haiti led by Linda Mason, Chair of the Board of Mercy Corps. This is a very impressive and worthy organisation on which I will elaborate later.