Elon Microfinance Initiative

After Shawn's awesome talk yesterday, I thought I would bring about this Room For Debate article from the NY Times from last year.

These are quick 1-page arguments from the issue of volunteering. See which sides you seem to align with more...

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2014/04/29/can-voluntourism-make-a-difference

Can 'Voluntourism' Make a Difference? As students, retirees and others head abroad this summer in search of experiences volunteering, are they really looking to help others or just themselves?

Roughly 2 billion people today lack access to a bank account and other credible markets. Yet, countries across the developing world, namely Tanzania, Kenya, and India have made major strides in increasing and promoting digital and financial inclusion.

This webinar at the Brookings Institute provides some interesting insights as to the progress that has been made and numerous impacts which include increased education, its impacts on microfinance groups, and improvement in women's rights.


http://www.brookings.edu/events/2015/08/26-financial-digital-inclusion-progress-west-villasenor

Measuring progress on financial and digital inclusion On August 26, the Center for Technology Innovation at Brookings held a forum to launch the 2015 FDIP Report and discuss key research findings and recommendations.