This a simple concept on SMS/Radio based communication for aspiring migrants workers who are semi-literate and have no internet excess.I presented this concept on TECH-FAIR organized by U.S Embassy in Nepal with the support from Dr. Mahabir Pun (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabir_Pun) and Nepal Wireless Project(http://www.nepalwireless.net/)

1. A SMS/Radio based web
forum for
aspirant migrant workers
Concept note by
Saurab Dulal (dulal.saurab@gmail.com)
IOE Pulchowk Campus,Nepal

2. Challenges
Target groups
• Semi-literate, unaware and rural areas aspiring migrant
Impacts
• Offline and online user who can use information as a means of
communication using low cost SMS or toll free SMS
Part of migration process to impact
• Initial information gathering process

3. Summary of the Proposed Solution
SMS gateway
e.g. sparrow SMS
Question will
be posted on
online forum
Question
Via SMS Forum member
Domain expert
Provides an answer
(160 words restriction)
Can Verify or
provides answer
Cannot verify answer
Verified answer
back to Gateway
Valid answer
Back to the
user
A complete Close Loop
System
Handshaking
Call based 5-7min
radio program
Aspiring
migrants

4. Why and for what would an expert answer
the Questions ?
???

5. Why and for what would an expert answer
the Questions ?
User incentives
• Virtual badges, awards, points and reputations
• Can share those awards to social networks
• Recognized as a domain experts
• May be an active partner in long run

6. Revenue Model
With funding
• Humanitarian organization, NGOs, INGOs, willing personals
Without funding
• Primary
• User Subscription (minimum Rs.2 , 2-3 week trial period option before subscription)
• Secondary
• Google AdSense, Insurance companies, Remittances, Local adv. (schools, college, restaurants)
With sufficient funding we can integrate toll free SMS services

7. Success and sustainability
Success Factor
• User
• Maximum user
• Openness and motivation
• Knowledge
• Diversified knowledge database
• Relevant and fast changing knowledge
• Technology factor
• Ease of use, fast excess
• Layer of abstraction to separate low tech user from high tech user
Above all + sufficient funding will assure the sustainability our system

8. Enhancement
• Can be enhanced to for SMS based offline app
• IVR
• Complete web portal