Wind-Up Radios Help Community Development

Similar to our own ideas and, indeed, efforts in Haiti, wind-up radios are being deployed in Afghanistan to help improve local governance networks. This seems to be a trial but we think likely to succeed. Its good to see basic communication infrastructures being establised in remote locations for the benefit of the local, rural population. Although, let's not be naive as there are no doubt alterior motives at play here. Nonetheless, should the network prove to be successful we see no reason why it should not be used for purposes beyond taxation collection, etc. For instance, it would be a fairly simple step to commence broadcasting 'educational' content. Furthermore, with the addition of inexpensive mobile phones, such as the one we sent to Haiti - together with a Solio solar charger - communications can become two-way thereby actually empowering local communities to steer their own destiny a little more. Once this is realised the possibilities are almost endless.