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Matthew Kopac - Benin
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Matt Kopac, Peace Corps volunteer in Benin (2001-2003), worked with an agricultural credit union to create a microfinance program for women. He also developed courses in business. He is currently a student at the Yale School of Management.
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Matt Kopac was in the Peace Corps in Benin between 2001 and 2003 in a mid-sized town, Djougou, near the border with Togo. He was a Small Enterprise Development Volunteer working with an agricultural credit union to create a microfinance program for women's groups, and developing courses in business management. Benin was one of his first trips outside the US and getting off the plane was a thrilling shock. There were some struggles, but once he made friends, adapted to the culture and learned the languages, he had one of his most meaningful experiences of his life.He decided to join the Peace Corps in high school although he was not completely sure what it was, but he knew it offered the opportunity to be of service and to see the world. He also had the opportunity in high school to sing the soundtrack of the film, The Power of One, about the transformation of South Africa during apartheid. The injustice and the haunting beauty of the music resonated with him, and he decided to go to Africa. Five years later he got his chance.
Matt is currently a student at the Yale School of Management, where he focuses on community development finance. He is also General Manager of Food For Thought, a social venture coffee shop serving organic Fair Trade coffee and food. All the profits go to the Yale School of Management Internship Fund, which supports students who want to do public service summer internships.
His Peace Corps flight to Benin was scheduled to leave on September 12, 2001. It was delayed by the terrorists attack until October. When he arrived in Benin, there was an outpouring of sympathy from the Beninese people.
Matt was most inspired by Bilha Foussena, a primary school teacher who worked with him to teach courses on credit and business management to women’s groups. She also served as the intermediary between the women's groups and MFI's involved in micro loans. A widow, she was not subject to many of the same restrictions placed on women in the community, and she used this freedom to advocate for other women around her.
His advice to social entrepreneurs: “Get your feet dirty, listen to people – don’t come into a situation with a preconceived notion about what is needed. And don't wait to get started even if all the pieces don’t seem to be in place, and take risks – there is no time to waste.”
CLICK on the player above to listen to his interview.
