Stories about Good News from September, 2015
The Enormous Mural That Made a Mexican Neighborhood ‘Magical’
Germen Crew, an independent collective, painted a colorful mural stretching across 200 homes in Las Palmitas neighborhood. The "magical" project helped strengthen the community in the process.
Spartathlon, Where the Noble Spirit of Athleticism Humbly Prevails
Once a year, long-distance athletes from all over the world run 246 kilometers from Athens to Sparta, participating in what is considered the world's "most grueling race"—the Spartathlon.
New Mobile App Noema Wants to Capture the ‘Underutilized’ Power of Human Voice
"Listening to someone from another part of the world talk about her experiences and most valued thoughts is incredibly awe-inducing," says 19-year-old co-founder Asad Jamal Malik from Pakistan.
Refugees Met with Generosity and Suspicion in France
Despite enduring fear and suspicion towards refugees, many citizens initiatives have been launched or scaled up in France to meet their needs.
‘Beyond a Simple Solidarity’: Portugal’s New Donation Drive for Syrian Refugees in Hungary
A solidarity convoy will take donations from Portugal to the refugees in Hungary. The initiative created by a group of citizens its named Aylan Kurdi Caravan to honour him.
Malian Web Activists Finance Academic Support for Timbuktu Students
In Timbuktu, Malian activists are putting together a project that aims to help 200 students, of whom around 50 are girls, prepare for their end-of-year exams.
Volunteer Initiatives a Key Part of Welcoming Refugees in Germany
Volunteer projects for refugee aid are making an important contribution towards building a caring and peaceful community, though in many respects they are left unaided by German state policy.
A Syrian Refugee Wants to Crowdfund His Own Restaurant in Brazil
Syrian refugee Talal Al-Tinawi is making his new Brazilian dream come true by crowdfunding to open a Syrian-Lebanese restaurant to share his love for cooking with the locals.
An ‘Appeal to Affection and Empathy’: Barcelona's Mayor Wants Spain’s Cities to Welcome Refugees
Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau's idea to create a network of refuge-cities for refugees has become a real-life plan after a Facebook comment went viral.
Buy a Pen, Save a Life: A Syrian Father Inspires a Fundraising Cause
The #BuyPens campaign is a collaborative effort to help a Syrian refugee father, recently photographed selling a handful of pens in Beirut, Lebanon.
Hundreds of Austrians and Germans Turn Out to Welcome Refugees Arriving From Hungary
Refugees travelling through Austria to Germany were greeted with applause at train stations by Austrians and Germans bearing not only good will, but food, water sanitary products and toys.
Russian Rock Legend Boris Grebenshikov Crowdfunds New Record

Boris Grebenshikov, often called the "Grandfather of Russian rock," has appealed to his fans online to crowdfund his new album, which looks set to be fully funded, despite the critics.
Are Term Limits and Mandatory Political Changeover Really in the Interest of African Nations?

In countries with few leading figures capable of securing the role of head of state, constitutionally mandated political changeover can be a real constraint on the political process.
Tech Communities in Francophone Africa Rise to the Challenge of Their Anglophone Counterparts
French-speaking Africa has been remarkably absent from the flurry of media coverage on "Silicon Savannah." But the emergence of promising new projects in tech innovation mean that may soon change.
Meet the ‘Loa’ Podcast Network: What Vietnam's Mainstream Media Has Been Missing
"Loa seeks to explore the ideas and stories that shape Vietnam today. We amplify the voices you often don't hear and broadcast the perspectives you haven’t heard."