Over the last decade there has been an explosive growth in the usage of mobile telephony, especially in developing countries. Currently 80% of the population in these countries have access to a mobile phone. The Dutch organisation Text to Change has become the biggest player in the field of ‘Mobiles for Development’. They use mobile technology to improve people’s lives in developing countries in a very simple and efficient way. Text to Change sets up interactive SMS campaigns, together with NGOs and companies, focused on improving healthcare and education, stimulating economic development and creating awareness on environmental issues. Results consist of high response and amazing outcomes, like for example an HIV/AIDS awareness SMS campaign where the number of people who got tested for HIV/AIDS doubled after this campaign.

SA’s biggest challenges: Unemployment & poor education

Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel on Friday said the education system is sending poorly equipped adults into the world.

Manuel, Western Cape Premier Helen Zille and Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille discussed some of the outcomes of a National Planning Commission (NPC) report at a meeting on Friday.

The commission is an advisory body tasked with preparing recommendations for the Cabinet on issues affecting South Africa’s long-term development.

The national diagnostic overview report attempts to identify and underline the causes of issues including unemployment and low education outcomes.

Manuel said these topped the list of challenges in the country.

He said, “We aren’t readying people for life beyond school, whether it is in the working environment or higher education. To resolve this means we have to construct arrangements that will drive change.”

Other challenges include a high burden of diseases and the divisions in many communities.

Manuel said it is important that the dialogue starts among all South Africans, as it helps unpack all these challenges.

Article source: www.eyewitnessnews.co.za