UNICEF and Airtel launch Internet of Good Things in Rwanda

Internet of Good Things provides access to life-saving and life-enhancing information, free of data charges by Airtel

23 March 2021
Internet of Good Things
UNICEF/UNI343775

KIGALI, RWANDA – UNICEF and Airtel have launched the Internet of Good Things in Rwanda – an innovative digital platform with information and resources which promote better, healthier living. Internet of Good Things is a UNICEF-led initiative, accessible in over 60 countries and territories around the world, helping bridge the digital divide and build knowledge-based societies.

The Internet of Good Things platform hosts mobile-packaged content from UNICEF and its partners, designed to make life-saving and life-improving information available at no cost – even on low-end devices, and basic web-enabled mobile phones. By providing greater access to information and feedback tools, Internet of Good Things also allows youth and citizens to take part in critical discussions and voice their opinions.

Through this new partnership, Internet of Good Things is now accessible free of data charges – in English and Kinyarwanda – on an Airtel SIM card via https://rw.goodinternet.org.

Internet of Good Things is bringing change in awareness and knowledge to critical areas, and continues to aim in assisting bringing change in attitudes and behaviours as a result of new knowledge.  The initiative is also helping to bridge the digital divide and increase access to critical information.

“Many communities and individuals across Rwanda do not have easy or affordable access to life-saving information. Young people especially are vulnerable to misinformation about communicable diseases like COVID-19, sexual and gender-based violence, early and unintended pregnancies, HIV/AIDS and more,” says Amit Chawla, Managing Director of Airtel Rwanda. “With Internet of Good Things available to provide greater access to this information, we are not only building digital literacy, but addressing these challenges and vulnerabilities that would otherwise compound.”

New users to Internet of Good Things can find updated information on COVID-19 prevention, how youth can stay informed and get involved in the fight against the virus, parenting tips, and interactive information on when to get vaccinated and against which diseases. Users can also create free accounts to comment on articles, ask questions, and participate in polls.

“Internet of Good Things allows anyone to be empowered to make more informed decisions around their health, ending violence, preventing diseases like COVID-19, raising children and more,” says Julianna Lindsey, UNICEF Representative in Rwanda. “We are especially pleased that this collaboration between UNICEF and Airtel will allow us to reach some of the most disadvantaged populations and marginalized communities who might otherwise never access such vital information.”

UNICEF’s global engagement with the private sector leverages resources to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and contribute towards national development agendas. In Rwanda, the private sector – including the telecommunication industry – is considered to be a force multiplier for the country’s development and addressing the needs of children.


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Media contacts

Steve Nzaramba
Communication Specialist
UNICEF Rwanda
Tel: +250 786 384 106
John Magara
Head of Marketing and Communications
Airtel Rwanda
Tel: +250 731 000 070

About UNICEF

UNICEF promotes the rights and well-being of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

For more information about UNICEF and its work for children in Rwanda, visit www.unicef.org/rwanda.

Follow UNICEF Rwanda on TwitterFacebook, Instagram and on our YouTube channel.

 

About Airtel

Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 16 countries across Asia and Africa. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company ranks amongst the top 3 mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers. In India, the company's product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce, fixed line services, high speed home broadband, DTH, enterprise services including national & international long distance services to carriers. In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G, 3G, 4G wireless services and mobile commerce.

Airtel had over 456 million customers across its operations. To know more, visit www.airtel.com