Today is International Migrants Day. On this occasion, December 18 is running the third edition of the Radio 1812 event, a worldwide radio broadcast on migration issues. More than 130 radios from 45 countries are taking part. From Africa we have stations from Senegal, Mali, DR Congo, Ghana, Morroco and South Africa on board. You may have heard one of these programmes today when listening to your local station. I also encourage you to visit the special site: www.radio1812.net and listen to the programmes that are being uploaded thoughout the day.

A group of Silicone Valley engineers are working on a voluntary basis to bring solar powered wi-fi access to rural areas around the world. The company, Green Wi-fi iGreen Wi-Fi is

developing solar-powered, wireless antennas for laptops that are specially designed to handle the dust and heat and other inconveniences of life in remote areas.

A surprising number of people in the developing world still hide their money under a mattress at home. Accessible and developed banking systems are still in short supply and borrowing money at double digit monthly interests is prohibitive and discourages business. Microfinance is the bridge that empowers the underprivileged.

World famous Senegalese musician, Youssour N'dour has founded an organization called Brima to help small business start ups and support emerging musicians and artists - particularly women and youth.  

 

Zimbabwe has launched a solar energy project for computers in schools. The project is a joint effort between the government and Mukonitronics Private Limited. The policy is running in parallel with a Government initiative to ensure all new teachers are computer literate.

South Africa is considering following the UK with a new bill to stop illegal downloads of music and video from the internet. If passed the law would require ISPs to monitor subscribers downloading.