Bridging the Digital Divide
Bridging the Digital Divide is a flagship project for Kumwe Hub that has been designed from the outset for scalability. It ushers in local private sector actors to solve the problem of internet connectivity for refugees. Sitting in our ‘New Market Development’ stream, the aim is to enable companies see this group as a new market and valuable customer base.
We do this through co-creation: creating solutions to refugees’ connectivity problems with refugees, supported by key actors within the Rwandan government, UNHCR bodies, refugee camp partners and private sector market providers.
Current stakeholders
PRIVATE-SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS
MAHAMA REFUGEE CAMP PARTNERSHIPS
GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIPS
Impact statement
The impact goal of Bridging the Digital Divide is to develop sustainable and replicable solutions for refugees to access the Internet, and for them to leverage this connectivity to improve their quality of life.
Bridging the Digital Divide’s process involves using agile project management to prototype refugee designed solutions that invite the private sector to participate. This includes a great deal of co-creation between stakeholders and a focus on human-centered design that is tested to measure early impact.
Live Timeline
Overview of the initiatives within the program
What are we trying to solve?
- High cost of digital devices
- High cost of data
- Limited charging stations
- Low digital literacy
- Limited public devices
- Limited access and poor quality of WI-FI
How We Solve the Pain Points of Affordability and Sustainability
Initiative 1
Affordable smartphones
Making affordable smartphones accessible to refugees through instalment payment business model introduced in the camp
Initiative 2
Internet cafe
Supporting refugee entrepreneurs with the start-up of low-cost cyber cafes in the camp
Initiative 3
Sustainable infrastructure -Boosting economic activity
To ensure that refugees can pay for private-sector solutions, the programme is also focused on learning how to boost economic activity, to start income-generating activities, to be able to afford private-sector solutions and not rely on free aid distribution.
Live pulse-check results
How do we ensure this program has an impact?
Some examples of how we continually measure impact
If you’d like to see more of our impact data, please reach out to the
team and we’d be delighted to share it with you
Working with refugees
Bridging the Digital Divide addresses the specific needs of refugees by involving them in the design and implementation process. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by displaced populations, the program ensures the active participation of refugees in shaping the initiative from its inception.
Refugees are not merely recipients of the products and services from the program; instead, they are consulted throughout the program development, providing valuable insights into their circumstances, preferences, and challenges
This inclusive approach not only tailors the program to the actual needs of the refugee community but also empowers them by fostering a sense of ownership and agency. The ultimate impact goal of Bridging the Digital Divide is measured by stakeholder satisfaction, with the success of the program determined by the positive experiences and life quality improvement of refugee participants.
Working with private sector
Bridging the Digital Divide is committed to solving problems for refugees’ internet connectivity together with the private sector. We have invited them into our ideation spaces, planning spaces, and market dialogues. When Kumwe Hub steps back, these companies will continue serving refugees as new customers long into the future.
This is to ensure that the private sector deeply understands the needs of refugees and works together with Kumwe Hub and refugees to design solutions that will solve the wicked problems.
So far, we have worked with Rwanda’s largest internet connectivity partners to co-design new business models in the Mahama refugee camp to help refugees afford smartphones, Wi-Fi, and data.
How we work
In the pursuit of creating a positive and sustainable impact, the foundation of Bridging the Digital Divide lies in fostering collaboration and learning among refugees, camp partners, and market providers. Recognising the importance of cooperation, the program seeks to establish a conducive environment where these stakeholders can work together to address the connectivity challenges faced by refugees in Rwanda.
The primary objective of the intervention is to enhance the livelihoods of refugees through a dual-track approach. In the livelihoods track, refugees are empowered to initiate businesses or secure jobs that result in heightened income. As their financial stability improves, the focus gradually shifts from consumption to investment. Simultaneously, refugees undergo skill development, ultimately leading to the intentional and safe use of the Internet by individuals including children, parents, and teachers.
On the education track, the intervention aims to leverage the internet as a powerful tool for enhancing learning. Educators play a pivotal role in utilizing online resources to improve children’s education. This, in turn, fosters a broader adoption of safe and intentional internet usage among refugees, encompassing children, mothers, fathers, and teachers.
To achieve the desired business effect, the livelihoods track envisions a progression from heightened income to access to affordable digital devices, followed by access to affordable high-quality internet (both mobile data and Wi-Fi). These steps are intricately designed to contribute to the strengthening of the market economy within the Mahama refugee camp
Similarly, on the education track, the ripple effect includes improved education for youth and children, culminating in the provision of quality Wi-Fi solutions to host community schools.
The ultimate impact of this comprehensive program is to develop sustainable and replicable solutions for refugees to access the internet. By leveraging this connectivity, refugees can significantly enhance their quality of life. The intervention envisions a future where refugees not only have improved livelihoods and access to quality education but also possess the skills and resources to navigate the digital landscape in a safe and intentional manner. This holistic approach aims to create lasting positive change, fostering empowerment and resilience within the refugee community.
Our Agile Project Management Approach - Half Double
Half Double is a project management approach based on actual human behaviour, unpredictability and complexity. Half Double allows the project team to focus on three core elements:
Impact, Flow and Leadership.
Impact
The project is implemented to create impact and reduce the time to impact. The Impact is valued over cost, time, and scope. Stakeholder satisfaction is the ultimate impact success criterion.
- We built an impact case to drive behavioural change and business impact
- We designed pulse-checks to be in touch with our key stakeholders
Flow
The project management should focus on creating a flow of fast ideas, learning, results, and impact. Flow and process are valued over multitasking. The project team works at high intensity with frequent interaction to ensure continuous project progress.
- All of our core project team dedicates at least 50% of their time to Bridging the Digital Divide
- We work in 6-week sprints
- Conduct weekly visual planning sessions
Leadership
People are placed before systems as results are created by people. The leadership must embrace uncertainty to make the project happen.
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Our Project Owners (The Kumwe Hub Director, The Save the Children Rwanda Country Director, and the Programme Development and Quality Director) are active, committed, and engaged
Examples of weekly plans
Get in touch if you’d like to partner with us on expanding Bridging
the Digital Divide into other refugee settings.
