The 'Refugee Phones' Initiative Helps Refugees Stay in Contact
Katherine Pendrill — March 30, 2016 — Social Good
References: refugeephones & psfk
'Refugee Phones' is a charitable initiative that provides newly arrived refugees with cell phones and prepaid cash cards. With more and more refugees arriving in Europe each day, this initiative ensures that migrants can easily stay in contact with loved ones back home.
The Refugee Phones initiative was launched by a Swedish non-profit called 'Digital Reliance.' The organization works in conjunction with phone companies, service providers and volunteers to distribute phone kits to newly arrived refugees. These kits not only include cell phones, but they also come with changers and prepaid SIM cards. Volunteers even assist refugees with setting up the phones to make it as easy as possible for migrants to get in touch with those back home.
With more than 4,000 cell phones already distributed, the initiative demonstrates a unique way to overcome a communication barrier refugees often face.
The Refugee Phones initiative was launched by a Swedish non-profit called 'Digital Reliance.' The organization works in conjunction with phone companies, service providers and volunteers to distribute phone kits to newly arrived refugees. These kits not only include cell phones, but they also come with changers and prepaid SIM cards. Volunteers even assist refugees with setting up the phones to make it as easy as possible for migrants to get in touch with those back home.
With more than 4,000 cell phones already distributed, the initiative demonstrates a unique way to overcome a communication barrier refugees often face.
Trend Themes
1. Refugee Communication - Non-profit initiatives that provide refugees with communication tools create opportunities for disruptive innovation, such as developing low-cost cell phone models and innovative prepaid plans.
2. Charitable Mobile Services - Non-profits that partner with mobile phone companies to provide communication tools to marginalized groups can foster innovation in mobile payment systems and data management solutions.
3. Volunteer-mediated Services - Services that rely on volunteer help can be enhanced by developing user-friendly training programs and technology tools to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of volunteers' contributions.
Industry Implications
1. Telecommunications - Telecommunication companies can partner with non-profits and social entrepreneurs to develop customized solutions for marginalized groups, including affordable cell phones and wireless plans.
2. Non-profit - Non-profit organizations can develop new initiatives and partnerships to provide communication and other essential services to marginalized groups.
3. Mobile Payment - Mobile payment companies can create innovative solutions to support non-profit initiatives that provide marginalized groups with essential services, including mobile phone access and prepaid plans.
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