Motorola and CARE Connect
Motorola and CARE have developed a partnership that will supply three key CARE project areas with high grade, commercial quality radio communication systems. In Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Peru, Motorola will work with CARE field staff and local communities to set-up and operate these systems. These gifts from Motorola, a global telecommunications firm, were installed in late 2004.
Communication Strategies
The system is designed to allow remote and rural communities to communicate with CARE field offices.
In Bangladesh, this technology will be used to alert CARE staff of floods caused by monsoon rains in economically poor villages. These communities have previously depended on word-of-mouth to communicate their need for critical assistance and installing new communications systems aims to help CARE field staff, communities and evacuation boat crews gain quicker access to flood information, and mobilise more quickly. The radio communications system is designed to provide CARE with radio coverage over Kurigram, one of the districts in CARE's SHOUHARDO (Strengthening Household Ability of Responding to Development Opportunities) programme.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, CARE is trying to help protect the tropical rainforests. In the remote and Maringa/Lopori Wamba area CARE field staff and local partners will now have the communications needed to more effectively implement, monitor and evaluate projects aimed at conservation, and to help maintain a level of security and global connectivity.
In the Peruvian highlands of Puvo, where there are no telephones, CARE hopes the new communications systems will help people to improve their quality of life. Pregnant women and mothers with medical complications will now be able to call for an ambulance, or otherwise reach a doctor, nurse or CARE worker, while local farmers can use the technology to gain information about current market prices in the nearby towns and cities.
In Bangladesh, this technology will be used to alert CARE staff of floods caused by monsoon rains in economically poor villages. These communities have previously depended on word-of-mouth to communicate their need for critical assistance and installing new communications systems aims to help CARE field staff, communities and evacuation boat crews gain quicker access to flood information, and mobilise more quickly. The radio communications system is designed to provide CARE with radio coverage over Kurigram, one of the districts in CARE's SHOUHARDO (Strengthening Household Ability of Responding to Development Opportunities) programme.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, CARE is trying to help protect the tropical rainforests. In the remote and Maringa/Lopori Wamba area CARE field staff and local partners will now have the communications needed to more effectively implement, monitor and evaluate projects aimed at conservation, and to help maintain a level of security and global connectivity.
In the Peruvian highlands of Puvo, where there are no telephones, CARE hopes the new communications systems will help people to improve their quality of life. Pregnant women and mothers with medical complications will now be able to call for an ambulance, or otherwise reach a doctor, nurse or CARE worker, while local farmers can use the technology to gain information about current market prices in the nearby towns and cities.
Development Issues
Technology, Emergencies, Health, Environmental Conservation.
Key Points
The system is designed to allow remote and rural communities to communicate with CARE field offices and speed disaster assistance, contribute to environmental conservation, and enhance the health and well being of rural peoples.
The projects are bringing radiophone communications to areas that were previously without any communication links.
Motorola executives believe that this is one of the most effective ways that the company can leverage its technical expertise and make a contribution as part of its corporate social responsibility.
The projects are bringing radiophone communications to areas that were previously without any communication links.
Motorola executives believe that this is one of the most effective ways that the company can leverage its technical expertise and make a contribution as part of its corporate social responsibility.
Partners
CARE, Motorola Inc.
Sources
CARE Press Release, "Motorola and CARE Connect in Remote Parts of Bangladesh, Congo and Peru: Technology helps save lives, protect forests and link farmers with local markets," (June 24 2004); and, The Daily Star (Bangladesh) "Radio communication to help save lives in flood-prone areas," (December 1 2004).
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