Research shows that health knowledge levels in rural Uganda increase with a simple SMS
January 16, 2012
In 2010 and 2011, an SMS campaign was carried out in rural Uganda by TTC and HIPS (Health Initiatives in the Private Sector) among employees of Kinyara and KCCL, two of the most important factories of Uganda. In total over 3000 people participated in the quiz. Results of this survey have shown a significant positive change in knowledge levels on health topics like of malaria, tuberculosis and HIV.
Every second 200.000 text messages are sent globally. Today the use of SMS has proven itself a powerful medium to give rise to spontaneous social movements. Throughout the year 2011 the world witnessed major events, such as the protests across the Arab world, which were not only organized, but moreover registered and reported through civilians' mobiles rather than by journalists. Many of such examples confirm and underline the great influence of mobile telephony.
New SMS campaign with WWF and Earth Hour to increase awareness on environmental issues
December 20, 2011
Many people in Uganda have a mobile phone or at least access to one, in 2010 there were more than 12 million mobile cellular subscriptions! WWF and Text to Change established an innovative partnership to increase public awareness and involvement in the Earth Hour campaign 2012. By using SMS we create more awareness on environmental issues like securing clean and renewable energy resources and reducing CO2 emission in Uganda.
SMS and social media save life of Dutch woman in Uganda
December 14, 2011
SMS and social media platforms, like the Text to Change platform, have become major conduits through which lives can be saved. On Sunday, 11th December 2011, the life of a Dutch woman in Kampala was saved, thanks to a very efficient emergency response from the Dutch embassy and Text to Change.
Over 12000 Pledge Commitment via Mobile Phone to Improve Personal Hygiene in Uganda
November 23, 2011
Text to Change through a strong public private partnership with USAID and Unilever Uganda together promoted healthy communities by conducting a personal hygiene campaign. This SMS campaign focused on hand washing to educate the people of Bulera, Mityana District about the dangers of poor sanitation. The goal was creating awareness on hand washing as one of the most important practices that enhance proper hygiene and healthy bodies.
On November 20th, the International Day of Children's Rights, Text to Change and War Child started an SMS-campaign in Uganda: “Let me Live and Learn with Dignity: Stop Corporal Punishment Now!”.
Text to Change is being exhibited at the Smithsonian Museum
November 16, 2011
Text to Change attended the opening of a big exhibition at the famous Smithsonian Museum in New York last month, because TTC is part of this impressive exhibition. “Design with the Other 90%: CITIES,” the second in a series of themed exhibitions by Cooper-Hewitt that demonstrate how design can address the world’s most critical issues, opened October 15 at the United Nations and runs through January 9, 2012.
Design with the Other 90%: CITIES features sixty projects, proposals, and solutions that address the complex issues arising from the unprecedented rise of informal settlements in emerging and developing economies. Divided into six themes—Exchange, Reveal, Adapt, Include, Prosper and Access—to help orient the visitor, the exhibition shines the spotlight on communities, designers, architects, and private, civic, and public organizations that are working together to formulate innovative approaches to urban planning, affordable housing, entrepreneurship, nonformal education, public health, and more. The United Nations offers an ideal setting to examine these complex issues and connect with stakeholders who can impart real change.
Text to Change, USAID and Unilever/Lifebuoy partner to spread handwashing awareness
October 19, 2011
The practice of handwashing with soap tops the international hygiene agenda on October 15, with the celebration of Global Handwashing Day. Since its inception in 2008 – which was designated as the International Year of Sanitation by the UN General Assembly – Global Handwashing Day has been echoing and reinforcing the call for improved hygiene practices worldwide.
