NextBillion.net - Development Through Enterprise - Europe and Eurasia

Vestergaard-Frandsen Group disease control textiles

_Alex Bloom — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 12:08:46 -0500

Managing Organization: Vestergaard Frandsen Group

Activity URL:

http://www.permanet.com , http://www.zerofly.com , http://www.lifestraw.com

Activity Description: The Vestergaard-Frandsen group designs disease control textiles and distributes them profitably on a mass scale. Three of the Vestegaard products are: PermaNet, an insecticide-treated anti-malarial net that kills mosquitos upon impact; The LifeStraw, a drinking straw with seven types of filters, that purifies up to 185 gallons of water; and ZeroFly, an insecticide incorporated plastic sheeting that provides shelter and malaria prevention.

Proctor & Gamble Water Filter Sachets

_Alex Bloom — Mon, 12 Dec 2005 15:42:49 -0500

Managing Organization: Procter & Gamble

Activity URL:

http://www.pghsi.com/safewater/development.html

Activity Description: Procter and Gamble has developed a cheap water-filtration system to serve poor communities with no access to clean water. Because the filters are easy-to-use and sold in single-usage form, they are affordable (US$.10) and easy to store and distribute. One packet is enough for 10 gallons, or about two days for a family.

While this filter is largely donated to communities and in bulk for emergency relief, P&G is testing distribution via a sustainable business model in Guatemala, the Philippines, Morocco and Pakistan.

Opportunity International: Integrated Global Microenterprise Creation

Courtland Walker — Fri, 02 Dec 2005 12:29:13 -0500

Managing Organization: Opportunity International

Activity URL:

http://www.opportunity.org/site/pp.asp?c=7oIDLROyGqF&b=212832

Activity Description: In addition to providing microfinance services, NGO Opportunity International offers its clients microenterprise development services that include business training, mentoring, financial planning and leadership development.

Essential to Opportunity International's microenterprise model are its Trust Banks. These banks encourage local entrepreneurs to form groups of 15 to 40 individuals, who in turn elect a leader, and apply for a single group loan. Upon receipt of the loan, group members meet weekly for sessions including business and leadership training.

Macedonia Connects

John Paul — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 15:42:33 -0400

Managing Organization: Academy for Educational Development (AED)

Activity URL:

http://www.mkconnects.org

Activity Description: With the support of USAID’s Last Mile Initiative, Macedonia has become the first all broadband wireless country in the world. In a country almost completely covered by mountains and where 42% of the population lives in rural areas, all of the schools have been connected to the Internet. As a direct result of the project, access to the Internet will decline from $125 USD per month to $15-20 USD per month.