NGO creates free info platform despite digital divide
The system was initially designed as a digital solution to communicate accurate information to the vulnerable communities the NGO worked with.
DURBAN NGO, Zoë-Life has launched a new digital platform, FORGE-CONNECT which is designed to assist vulnerable local and foreign communities to access valuable information.
The USSD system was initially designed as a digital solution to communicate accurate information to the vulnerable communities the NGO worked with, which included locals, refugees and asylum seekers after the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
The library of information and digitally packaged resources can be accessed freely on *134*532*301# and now includes a category on Health, Foreign Nationals living in South Africa and Orphans and Vulnerable Children in addition to the Covid-19 category which debunks myths, and offers accurate accessible information.
The information and categories were carefully curated after Zoë-Life’s field workers conducted a needs assessment after the country’s lockdown put a pause on the FORGE Unit’s activities within communities.
FORGE-CONNECT not only met the communications needs but also allows for other vital information to be cascaded to vulnerable communities at no cost to them.
The organisation hopes to partner with other NGOs and share the platform that gives free access to a wealth of information that can be calibrated to add various categories to their current library of vital information without the need for airtime, a smartphone or data.
It hopes to soon take it further with a Bulk SMS system that can give a more immediate response and create early warning systems for the vulnerable communities especially in the face of ongoing and recent xenophobia flare ups.
ALSO READ: Domino Foundation celebrates a legacy of impacting lives
Leaders representing many POCs (People of Concern from refugee and asylum seeker communities) and local NGOS were invited to the launch to try out the USSD system and give feedback.
Community leaders were also given Zoë-Life’s Covid-19 manual and video series which was conceptualised by their director Dr Stephanie Thomas and translated into French, English and isiZulu to cascade into their communities.
The comprehensive manual was broken down into easily digestible information with a thousand copies distributed to communities and turned into a four-part compilation of Covid-19 management strategy.
The organisation is hoping to cascade the multi-media information into communities through community leaders and open conversations on health, healing and faith.
Thereafter participants had an interactive session with trauma expert Monty Thomas on trauma and how Covid-19 influenced mental health. Thomas stressed the need for all organisations to embed trauma informed approaches into their core work.
Zoë-Life’s FORGE Unit is simply an acronym for forgiveness, reconciliation and relational generosity, working with both local and POC communities.
Do you want to receive news alerts via Telegram? Send us a message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple
