What Kenya can teach its neighbors — and the US — about improving the lives of the “unbanked”

A dollar sign forms one of the columns of a stately building

From Kelsey Piper / Vox: Mobile banking in Kenya has increased economic mobility for families living in poverty. The mobile money system is not connected to bank accounts, making it accessible to the overwhelming majority of Kenyans who don’t have bank accounts but do have cell phones. Mobile banking allows deposits and withdrawals as well as transfers, and has allowed families to save money to use when their income, often from farming, takes a hit thus creating a security net for themselves and allowing them to receive funds from friends and family. Savings allow families to meet basic needs and access medical care if necessary.

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From Jennifer Solis / The Nevada Current: A new law in Nevada prohibits the state system of higher education from charging tuition to Native American students who are members of tribes in Nevada. Read the original story here. Read more...

From Laura Paddison / Huffington Post: The results of a universal basic income (UBI) program in Kenya show the positive ripple effect of giving everyone money on a consistent basis over the course of several years. Recipients have been able...

Sarah Quebaltin, a regenerative design strategist from the Philippines, has 15 years of experience in peacebuilding, cultural heritage conservation, environmental education, and humanitarian assistance. She specializes in designing collaborative ecosystems through innovation labs and learning journeys, transforming Disaster Risk Reduction...

From Bill Chappell / NPR: Microsoft Japan experimented with a 4-day work week over the summer. Employees enjoyed three-day weekends but received normal paychecks. The company reported a 40% boost in productivity. Read the original story here. Read more work-focused...

From Prachi Bari / The Hindustan Times: The city of Pune has a program called Lighthouse that provides services to underprivileged youths skill building for career pursuits. Read the original story here. Read more articles about youth-focused wellbeing initiatives.

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From Frank Ntarindwa / The New Times: ‘Kigali’s “Car Free Day” not only boasts an increase in residents’ activity levels, it also creates a space for more knowledge and service sharing for health conditions including Malaria.’ Screenings for non-communicable diseases...

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