Qualcomm and Sesame Workshop India rolls out Radiophone Project
Qualcomm and Sesame Workshop India has launched the Radiophone project, an initiative that combines community radio with mobile phones to expand access to quality educational experiences for children, particularly children of migrant populations that reside in Gurgaon. Initially, the GGSS (Galli Galli Sim Sim) show will be broadcast on Gurgaon Ki Awaaz Samudayik Radio Station to an estimated 30,000 listeners.
Using 3G technology, this broadcast will be made available to populations residing in radio dark areas but have mobile network coverage. Participating families will be provided with 3G-enabled mobile phones and 3G wireless connectivity. The families will be trained on how to use the mobile phones and research will be conducted to track impact and usage patterns.
The other component of the project is the in school programme, supported separately by HSBC. Thirty classrooms will be provided mobile phones with speakers, enabling classes to listen to the GGSS radio programme. Related in-classroom print materials will allow teachers to reinforce on-air activities and an impact evaluation of the school intervention will also be conducted.
"Our GGSS initiative is a proven model for educational delivery in India. With the expansion of this initiative into community radio and mobile phones, we are building an innovative and sustainable model that can be replicated to bring quality, early learning experiences to disadvantaged children throughout all of India," said Sashwati Banerjee, Managing Trustee, Sesame Workshop India Trust.
"3G wireless technologies offer new opportunities to dramatically improve learning, particularly among disadvantaged children. The Radiophone project is a shining example of how 3G mobile phones and wireless connectivity can help bridge the digital divide and promote social inclusion in India and throughout the world," said Shawn Covell, Vice-President, Qualcomm Government Affairs.
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