Blockchain
Compassion International launches revolutionary NFT collection, created completely in VR
Today, Compassion International launched “Many Hands,” a revolutionary non fungible token (NFT) digital artwork collection created completely in virtual reality (VR). Funds raised from the collection will provide full-ride college scholarships for 32 high-achieving Haitian youth. The scholarship will cover a full four years of university tuition, a laptop, leadership development training, and continuous support throughout their education, starting this fall.
“Many Hands” is Compassion’s first-ever NFT collection, and the collection’s digital artwork will be sold directly by Compassion through the Ethereum blockchain. Minting begins today, July 20, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern at ManyHandsNFT.com. (Those who are new to NFTs can join Compassion’s Discord and visit the #nft-101 channel for more information.)
The collection’s artist, Patrick Bezalel, donated his time and talent to create five thousand pieces of art, all created in VR. Each piece represents Haiti’s countryside and villages, along with the realities the country continues to face due to poverty, unrest, and natural disasters. Bezalel painted each layer using HTC Pro VR, where he was completely immersed in a three-dimensional, computer-generated environment.
Bezalel and his wife, Lily, first heard about Compassion more than a decade ago at a conference and were greatly moved by the organization’s work. Since then, they have sponsored children through Compassion, and they currently sponsor two children from Haiti. Bezalel hopes the collection will sell out, adding, “I want to present Haiti in a way that has never been presented before in a VR environment. VR has the ability to immerse you into any space, and this art form is my way of immersing and involving everyone in their support for Compassion and their projects. It is not just about education – it is hope for the future.”
According to USAID, the majority of Haitians lack access to a quality education, citing challenges like low enrollment and poor literacy rates. The average Haitian, age 25 years or older, has less than five years of schooling; and only 61 percent of the adult population is literate.
Education is crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty. UNESCO reports that if all adults completed secondary education, the global poverty rate could be cut by more than half. And yet, the majority of Haitians cannot afford to send their children to school.
Abbel Joseph, senior manager of program support at Compassion Haiti, sees many young people who have the skills, knowledge, and inclination to attend university, but not the finances. He explains, “The target group that we work with are among the most vulnerable in the country. That’s why it is so important to help them to get that scholarship in order to go to college. For the development of the community, people need to get educated … to learn things in order to help themselves, to help their community. A lot of them, without this scholarship – they end up not having any possibility at all to go to college.”
To this difficulty, Compassion responds, “Men anpil, chay pa lou.” Roughly translated from Creole, this Haitian proverb means, “Many hands make the load lighter.” And beginning at 10:30 am Eastern on July 20, individuals can make the load lighter for 32 Haitian students by minting “Many Hands” NFTs at ManyHandsNFT.com. The project will empower youth in poverty to become teachers, entrepreneurs, doctors, scientists, and other members of society who can break the chains of poverty and bring about a brighter future for all of Haiti.
Just ask Esterflie, a 19-year-old Haitian student slated to participate in the program. She shares, “I would like to have a career with computers – maybe a computer engineer. Technology is something that is very important for [the] development of a country. My parents are excited for me to have the opportunity to go to college. They are very proud of me.”
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Blockchain
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain (BlackRock, Plume, SEALSQ, Hedera, Deutsche Bank, KuCoin)
Blockchain technology continues to drive innovation across industries, reshaping finance, infrastructure, and philanthropy. Today’s news roundup explores exciting developments in blockchain ETFs, tokenization funding, quantum-resistant chips, public blockchain initiatives, and impactful social projects. Here’s a deep dive into the latest blockchain headlines:
BlackRock ETF Embraces Blockchain with First Muni Bond Purchase
BlackRock’s blockchain-focused ETF has made its first foray into municipal bonds, signaling increased confidence in integrating blockchain technology with traditional finance. The ETF’s strategic investment demonstrates how blockchain can enhance transparency and efficiency in bond markets.
By tokenizing municipal bonds, BlackRock aims to simplify trading and settlement processes while reducing associated costs. This development underscores the growing role of blockchain in transforming financial instruments and fostering greater market accessibility.
Source: Yahoo Finance
Plume Secures Funding for Tokenization Platform
Blockchain fintech company Plume has raised significant funding to advance its tokenization platform. The company’s innovative approach enables businesses to convert real-world assets into digital tokens, streamlining asset management and unlocking liquidity.
Tokenization is rapidly gaining traction as a game-changer in sectors such as real estate, art, and commodities. Plume’s success reflects a broader trend of investment in blockchain solutions that bridge the gap between traditional assets and decentralized technologies.
Source: Fortune
SEALSQ and Hedera Partner for Quantum-Resistant Blockchain Chips
SEALSQ and Hedera have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to develop quantum-resistant chips designed to secure blockchain infrastructure. These advanced chips will provide robust protection against future quantum computing threats, ensuring the integrity of blockchain networks.
As quantum computing capabilities evolve, safeguarding blockchain ecosystems becomes increasingly critical. This partnership highlights the importance of proactive measures in maintaining the resilience and trustworthiness of decentralized systems.
Source: The Quantum Insider
Deutsche Bank’s Public, Permissioned Blockchain Initiative
Deutsche Bank’s Layer 2 blockchain solution is set to go public and operate as a permissioned network, according to its tech partner. This initiative aims to strike a balance between accessibility and security, leveraging blockchain to streamline financial services and enhance operational efficiency.
The decision to adopt a public, permissioned model reflects a growing trend among enterprises seeking to harness the benefits of decentralization while maintaining control over sensitive data. Deutsche Bank’s approach could serve as a blueprint for other financial institutions exploring blockchain adoption.
Source: CoinDesk
KuCoin’s “Light Up Africa” Initiative Brings Hope to Thousands
Cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin has made a significant impact through its “Light Up Africa” donation ceremony in Ghana, benefiting 36,000 children across the continent. The initiative combines blockchain technology with philanthropy to address energy poverty and support education.
By leveraging blockchain for transparency in charitable contributions, KuCoin sets an example of how the crypto industry can drive meaningful social change. The project demonstrates the potential of blockchain to empower communities and foster sustainable development.
Source: PR Newswire
Industry Implications and Key Takeaways
Today’s developments highlight the transformative potential of blockchain across multiple domains:
- Integration with Traditional Finance: BlackRock’s ETF underscores the synergy between blockchain and established financial systems.
- Tokenization Trends: Plume’s funding success reflects the growing demand for digital asset solutions.
- Quantum-Resistant Technologies: SEALSQ and Hedera’s partnership addresses emerging cybersecurity challenges.
- Enterprise Blockchain Adoption: Deutsche Bank’s public, permissioned network showcases the adaptability of blockchain in financial services.
- Social Impact: KuCoin’s philanthropic efforts illustrate blockchain’s capacity to drive positive societal outcomes.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain (BlackRock, Plume, SEALSQ, Hedera, Deutsche Bank, KuCoin) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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