bbc.com
Smart School combats absenteeism in Guinea
A Guinean entrepreneur developed Smart School, a technological solution to combat school absenteeism by sending real-time attendance updates to parents via SMS, even without internet.
French
United Kingdom
TechnologyAfricaEducationInnovationMobile
Bbc AfriqueContinental SoftUnesco
Mohamed SouaréCheick Ahmed Bangoura
- Is the Smart School project financially sustainable?
- The Smart School system is financially viable through annual student subscriptions. The growing interest from schools and international partners further ensures its long-term financial sustainability.
- What is the potential for the Smart School system's growth?
- Smart School's potential for national and international expansion is high. The developer is already collaborating with partners in several African and Middle Eastern countries to implement the system.
- What impact has the Smart School system had on school attendance?
- The Smart School project aims to improve school attendance and reduce absenteeism by providing real-time updates to parents. Early results suggest a positive impact on student punctuality and assiduity.
- What are the different identification methods used by Smart School?
- The system uses multiple identification methods including facial recognition, QR codes, and contactless cards. Notifications are sent in three local languages (Soussou, Malinké, and Poular) to enhance accessibility and inclusivity.
- How does the Smart School system work and what problem does it address?
- Smart School is a technological solution designed to combat absenteeism in Guinean schools. It uses a biometric system to track student attendance and sends real-time notifications to parents via SMS, even without internet connectivity.