Mobiles are helping parents to take a more active part in their children’s school lives in Uganda

Nokia and Plan Uganda have teamed up to develop a simple SMS text messaging system that gives parents short, regular updates about their children’s education, teachers’ attendance records and pupil performance. The organizers hope that by taking a more inclusive attitude to parents, they can further engage students, parents and communities in education and increase their participation in school governance. The project also allows children to discuss issues affecting their learning while appealing to their avid interest in modern technology.

The project has been piloted in Uganda’s Luweero district. So far it has resulted in improved learners’ councils in primary schools, which deal with disciplinary and school-related issues.

“The project advocates for the fundamental right of every individual to have access to quality and affordable education, regardless of age, gender, race or geography,” said Elisabeth Tanguy, Nokia senior sustainability manager for the Africa region.

Around the world, billions of people live in remote or under-resourced communities without access to adequate education, healthcare or even up-to-date news. Nokia believes that affordable mobile technology has the potential to transform the delivery of these services, improve their quality and make them available to many more people. And that can promote social and economic change on a huge scale. Find out more in the Social Investment section on this website.

Find out more about the project in Uganda on the Plan website.