In this, the fifteenth in our series of FrontlineSMS guest posts, Rita Kiloo – Customer Care Executive at KickStart in Kenya – describes how their use of the software enables them to extend and improve their outreach efforts among rural farmers in the country “KickStart’s mission is to help millions of people out of poverty. … Continue reading An SMS “kickstart” for Kenyan farmers
Month: October 2009
Dilemmas of innovation and invisibility
Northern Zambia, August 1993. We set off from Chilubula – where we were helping build a school – for another village a couple of hours away. They didn’t have a school. They didn’t seem to have much, in fact. As our pick-up approached, children ran out to greet us, throwing themselves onto their knees. Many … Continue reading Dilemmas of innovation and invisibility
CNN on anthropology and innovation
“As trained observers of how people in a society live, ethnographers can help companies figure out what people need and then work with designers to meet those needs with new (or more often tweaked) products and services. In a world in which ever more people are using technology products on a daily basis, such skills … Continue reading CNN on anthropology and innovation
Ushering in the Advisors #1: Erik, Jan
At one time or another, all projects need a little help and direction. FrontlineSMS is no exception, and we’re fortunate to have been able to draw on the skills, experience and support of many close friends and allies over the past couple of years or so. During the FrontlineSMS building process we’ve been totally focused … Continue reading Ushering in the Advisors #1: Erik, Jan
Step inside the laptop bank
In the world of social innovation, many of the smartest ideas focus on “market inefficiencies” and, in particular, ways of reducing them. As increasing numbers of mobile operators implement airtime transfer systems and mobile money functionality on their networks – particularly in developing countries – opportunities also increase for locally-run microfinance institutions and their customers … Continue reading Step inside the laptop bank
W+K & \o/
One of the things which inspires me most about FrontlineSMS is how it inspires and motivates other people. I’ve met students, developers, out-and-out techies, non-profits, academics, members of the media, graphics designers – even members of the public – all of whom seem to resonate with the history, objectives and DNA of what we’re trying … Continue reading W+K & \o/
Keeping up the heat on climate change
As part of this years International Day of Climate Action on October 24th, 350.org – with support from Tactical Technology Collective – are planning a new and innovative text messaging campaign designed to mobilise citizens around the world “Project MOBiLIZE” will use decentralised, country-specific FrontlineSMS servers to deliver targeted messaging blasts to 350.org supporters in … Continue reading Keeping up the heat on climate change