(Like White African, I don’t usually take part in blog memes. Unlike White African, it’s usually because I don’t get an invite. ;o) But that aside, I’ve recently read a number of posts by eminent African bloggers in the current “Why I Blog About Africa” series and have been inspired by what they’ve written. That … Continue reading Why I blog about Africa
Month: December 2008
Spreading the [text] message
I often get asked the advantages of FrontlineSMS over the standard ‘Group’ messaging functionality of some (notably Nokia) mobile phones, or the supplied Handset Manager software. It’s an obvious question if you just see FrontlineSMS as a simple Group messaging hub. Not until you use it, or dig a little deeper, do you realise it’s … Continue reading Spreading the [text] message
Invention. Collaboration. Integration.
The past couple of weeks have been particularly exciting for Ushahidi and FrontlineSMS. Independently they’ve been featured on the BBC and CNN websites, where their use in the DRC and Malawi respectively continues to gain traction. Jointly they’ve appeared in Forbes Magazine in an interview given by Ory (which was predominantly about Ushahidi, but given … Continue reading Invention. Collaboration. Integration.
NEWS: Video of kiwanja’s Pop!Tech 2008 presentation now available online
A video of Ken Banks’ presentation at this year’s Pop!Tech gathering in Camden, Maine is now available online. Ken, who was selected as a Pop!Tech 2008 Social Innovation Fellow, talks about Dr. Who, Daleks, appropriate technology, mobile phones and FrontlineSMS in a five minute talk given to 700 delegates and attendees The video is available … Continue reading NEWS: Video of kiwanja’s Pop!Tech 2008 presentation now available online
Empowering Africa’s youth
Taken at a Plan International workshop in Kenya, December 2008. Plan projects working with primary school children throughout Africa will soon be implementing FrontlineSMS in their work. (Photo: Erik Hersman)
FrontlineSMS @ Netsquared/USAID
Two FrontlineSMS-based projects have been entered in the 2008 Netsquared/USAID challenge. The challenge is sponsored by The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and aims to find the best in mobile innovations for good. Voting is carried out by the NetSquared community, and fifteen finalists will be chosen. A panel of judges, selected by USAID, … Continue reading FrontlineSMS @ Netsquared/USAID
NEWS: “Mobiles in Malawi” project featured on CNN.com
Josh Nesbit’s Mobiles in Malawi project has been featured on the ‘Technology’ pages of the CNN.com website. Josh travelled to Namitete over the summer to install a text-based communications network using FrontlineSMS. Josh, who is about to return to Malawi, was interviewed along with kiwanja‘s Ken Banks for the article, which can be read here
NEWS: kiwanja.net and FrontlineSMS to feature on SHIFT Radio
The work of kiwanja.net, and specifically FrontlineSMS, will be featured on a special edition of SHIFT Radio on Friday 5th December. SHIFT Radio is an informal, lively internet radio channel hosted by Chris Melissinos. “Each week he talks about the latest in tech gadgets, interviews leaders in the video game and rich media industries and … Continue reading NEWS: kiwanja.net and FrontlineSMS to feature on SHIFT Radio
NEWS: Latest PC World article online
“If you were thinking of designing or building a Web site, you’d be in luck. If you were thinking of writing a suite of financial management software, you’d be in luck. If you were even thinking of creating the next big video game, you’d be in luck. Visit any good bookstore, and the selection of … Continue reading NEWS: Latest PC World article online
NEWS: Video interview with Nokia Conversations website
Late last month Ken Banks was invited to meet up with the team behind Nokia Conversations, the handset giant’s official blog. During a short six minute video interview, Ken gave his thoughts on mobile innovation in Africa, plans for FrontlineSMS (following the recent announcement of funding from the Hewlett Foundation), and the challenges of financial … Continue reading NEWS: Video interview with Nokia Conversations website