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Mobile technology – listening to the voice of Haitians
This innovation explored the use of technology to increase the effectiveness of accountability to affected communities by creating an interactive communication platform using innovative SMS and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology in a humanitarian setting.
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Summary
Using technology to increase the effectiveness of accountability to affected communities by creating an interactive communication platform using innovative SMS and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology in a humanitarian setting.
Challenge(s) addressed
Lack of feedback from affected communities – accountability to affected communities
Break down identified barriers to feedback and participation; e.g. low literacy, complicated systems and lack of familiarity with sending SMS
Innovation Factor
Developing a 2-way communication system by combining the success of TERA (Trilogy Emergency Relief Application) with the two-way information-sharing capacity of IVR technology to create one innovative solution that not only broadcasts life-saving practical information, but also gives Haitians an easy way to get their voice heard to become real partners in the recovery process.
Added Value
Enhancing the interactivity of the existing communication platform, TERA, by developing its functionality and capacity and introducing IVR technology.
Key Deliverables / Impact
Increasing two-way communication with beneficiaries
Reaching more beneficiaries with life-saving information
Provide beneficiaries an easy way to get their voice heard
Faster response to emergencies and therefore faster dissemination of life-saving information
Providing beneficiaries with more specialised information from different organisations
In-depth information and analysis from beneficiary responses
Latest Updates
Beneficiary Communications team in Haiti reach another milestone
Jun 2013
Last week the Beneficiary Communications team in Haiti reached another milestone with the publication of a report reviewing the impact of its program throughout the last year.
A first-of-its-kind Red Cross interactive information line in Haiti registers its one millionth call, less then ten months after the system began operating.
Having spent the last few months in Haiti trying to get their heads around the success of the Telefon Kwa Wouj IVR system – and the vast amounts of data it is producing - the team take some time to reflect
When the IFRC in Haiti first decided to launch a new 2-way telephone line using Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology we scoured the internet for journal articles to help us plan. Unfortunately there were very few examples of how this type of telephone technology had been used in the past to increase beneficiary participation recovery following a major disaster.
This has been the question of most journalists visiting Haiti this week, coupled with ‘what has been done?’ While there is still undeniable need in Haiti – ½ million people saw in the 2nd anniversary of the devastating earthquake still living in a makeshift tent – it’s important to take the time to reflect on the significant progress that has been made here.
Last week the Beneficiary Communications team in Haiti reached another milestone with the publication of a report reviewing the impact of its program throughout the last year.
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