System fully launched!

The last Blog focused on the SMS system, which has now been tested and is ready for usage. We described functionality of the components of the sms platform as well as changes that have been introduced. The current blog will describe how the testing has gone with the web platform and some features of the promotion campaign.

The donated equipment was installed successfully by SES. They system is, at the moment, fully migrated to SES, who will assume responsibility for maintaining and regularly updating the site. The webpage has finally been fully launched, and currently displays information to beneficiaries about mine and ERW danger, tips on how to stay safe in the conflict areas and how not suffer from UXO or ERW accidents. Furthermore, the web-form and sms-system is enabled which allows beneficiaries to report dangerous items. At the moment, the app is on hold, but will be added as a possible reporting channel as soon as possible.

Evaluation of the system will start shortly, and be used to gain insights into how they system performs and how well it fits the original purpose. The evaluation will be based on focus group discussions, and for this purpose the DDG team is currently in process of identifying 120 testers who, on voluntary basis, will be interviewed about their usage of the system.

To inform the general public about the functions of the system, a large scale publicity campaign started at the end of March. The promotional campaign included radio spots, a short video, stickers distribution and across social networks. The campaign is targeted to the areas close to the contact line, and radio spots broadcast on radio stations in the area. The campaign focuses on sms service subscription and MRE website, as these are the two services expected to be mostly used.