Challenge
Vulnerable communities in remote areas do not have access to critical information on health and livelihoods urgently needed to make informed decisions about their lives. Media technologies fail to reach marginalized communities in remote areas and do not account for lack of internet access and electricity. Nor do these interventions acknowledge a lack of literacy, ability to transliterate to one’s spoken language, and limited financial ability to purchase a smartphone or other expensive devices.
Description
Wanji aims to combat the digital divide and information gap in the developing world by leveraging widespread mobile telephony for disseminating critical information on health and livelihood issues to vulnerable communities. Wanji overcomes barriers of literacy, language, and geography by providing an interactive, educational experience in multiple languages delivered free-of charge through devices the majority of people can already access: a simple mobile phone.
Outcomes
Wanji has scaled to 17 countries and received calls from over 3 million people. The platform has developed educational content for multiple partners, working with tech providers and research collaborators to improve impact.
