Architecture for Humanity is a charitable organization that works to bring architectural solutions and design services to communities that have experienced a humanitarian crisis and need to rebuild after natural disasters. Architecture for Humanity’s network of professionals donate their time and efforts to communities where resources and expertise are scarce.

EasySeva trains local entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka to provide their communities with increased internet capabilities for a small fee. EasySeva is a successful ICT franchise in Sri Lanka. At these centers, PCs connected to wireless broadband are equipped with the latest multimedia programs, use the latest VOIP technology, and feature educational and informational software used in EasySeva’s distance learning courses Synergy Strategy Groups started EasySeva in 2007.

In rural India, Drishtee’s ICT network and micro enterprise kiosk program enables local entrepreneurs to provide services such as mobile phone services, health education, e-governance, computer education and banking and microfinance to their communities. Drishtee trains local men and women to provide these services. Acumen Fund’s investment in Drishtee will geographically expand the kiosk program as well as the health services they provide.

VisionSpring brings eyeglasses, a basic, low-cost health product, to those who do not have access to vision care. Vision Spring employs a base-of the pyramid enterprise model, empowering local entrepreneurs to provide affordable products to their communities. Dr. Jordan Kassalow founded VisionSpring (formerly the Scojo Foundation). 
 

Last July CGAP issued a new report about the main building blocks for any bank that is thinking about offering mobile phone financial services to its customers. (Shame on me for doing this post so late). Banking on Mobiles: Why, How, for Whom? is, not surprisingly, very good report. After all, these are the people currently in the forefront of research efforts to understand and develop mobile phone banking and the place to go for anyone interested in this market.

CareShop is a health franchise in Ghana started by Ghana Social Marketing Foundation’s (GSMF) for-profit subsidiary (GSMFEL). Franchise owners are local entrepreneurs who are trained in health and business so that they can sell low cost, over-the-counter retail drugs the people in their community. GSMF programs tackle treatment and prevention of malaria in children, deal with HIV/AIDS prevention, fertility management, adolescent reproductive health, and sanitation and reading.

FrontlinesSMS is a free communication software that uses both laptop computers and mobile phones to connect large groups of people in two-way text message conversations.