A few months ago, we brought you news about sOccket, a soccer ball that doubles as a portable, energy-storing power source. Since then, the sOccket team has pushed forward, officially introducing the ball to the world at the World Cup in South Africa. Already, sOccket seems to have more promise than its distant relative, Jabulani.
Jessica Lin, one of sOccket’s Co-Founders, believes that sOccket has a role to play in energy problems that have plagued the developing world for decades. Lin says, “sOccket may not be a solution to the energy crisis, but it is a new way of thinking about problems many people face on a day to day basis … and it enables empowerment for children literally to power their own lives.” (more…)
Commentary
Kenyan Prime Minister’s Action on Football Matters Raises Questions About Focus on Social Challenges
by Clive Longbottom-Fellow, Esq.
Kenyan international McDonald Mariga has secured a switch from Parma to Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan side. Not surprisingly, Kenyans have been paying attention given that this is highest profile transfer for a Kenyan footballer in the modern era.
Hours before the close of the transfer window, Mariga was seemingly on his way to Manchester City. Kenya was excited, even though for most Kenyans he was going to the wrong team in Manchester. As in most African nations, the English Premier League is the big draw in Kenya, dwarfing the once storied Kenyan Premier League. The move not only resonated with average Kenyans, but it apparently also resonated at the highest levels of government. In order to engineer Mariga’s move to the Premier League, Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga put on his cape and hit the phones. Raila became an all-action player — the type of player Arsenal desperately needs.
But it makes you wonder … is Raila inspired to move this quickly and aggressively on non-football related matters? (more…)
Commentary | Social Change
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