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Submitted

Last Updated July 26, 2020

2020 Mission Billion Challenge: Global Prize

H. E. L. P (APP)

Team Leader

Gregory Tommy Mbhele

Solution Overview

Solution Name:

H. E. L. P (APP)

One-line solution summary:

Knowledge is power. We provide knowledge through a digital mobile app accessible to anyone in need.

Pitch your solution.

Aim of the solution is to fight gender based violence and also to provide key community information including announcements /updates on COVID 19.The app can be scaled globally and be used to locate centers and also be used for many other practical functions including networking. Due to COVID 19 may be used to also post free webinars on pre recorded topics.

What specific problem are you solving?

Lack of access to information is a global problem. The covid 19 pandemic has proven that most people are not aware of symptoms and available community centers where they can seek help. Many school children struggle with where to to find their school work too. Not everyone has access to newspapers and to information in the rural areas in my country South Africa.

Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?

Ordinary people such as the youth the unemployed and the elderly. The app will be freely available. Easy to use and use plain language.

Which dimension of the Challenge does your solution most closely address?

How can countries ensure that digital authentication mechanisms—which often require smartphones, computers and internet access—are accessible to marginalized and vulnerable populations to facilitate remote access to services and benefits?

Explain how the problem, your solution, and your solution’s target population relate to the Mission Billion Challenge Global Prize and your selected dimension.

Most of the population in South Africa and globally have a cellular phone. The basic phone uses a ussd. With smart Android and IOS phones even more people are available in use. We will us both devices and provide much needed information online to the millions if not billions of users to save lives and provide much needed information during lockdown it will also help identify members in the geographic locations.

Where is your solution team headquartered?

Pretoria, South Africa

What is your solution’s stage of development?

Idea: A plan or concept by an individual or organization.

Who is the primary delegate for your solution?

Gregory Tommy Mbhele

More About Your Solution

Which of the following categories best describes your solution?

A new application of an existing technology

Describe what makes your solution innovative.

The H. E. L. P app will provide Ussd which is at low cost. It will help collect statistical data for the Department of help and may be used to do contact tracing. The use of the app will also guarantee access to information and any updates regarding pandemics like COVID 19.

Provide evidence that your solution works.

The idea was a finalist idea with the University of South Africa Innovation challengebefore the COVID 19 lockdown. The idea can be used in a number of applications and may be adaptable according to needs identified.

Please select the technologies currently used in your solution:

Internet of Things

What is your theory of change?

Change will always be constant. Many people will be given information as it happens. Thus we belive they will make better decision daily. No future may take effect without change. The people will be forced to use their phones as sources of key information. As human beings innovation and invention is very necessary. We must evolve and make sure we also remain responsible not to harm the environment in the process. I believe in changes and innovation.

How can your solution be incorporated into identification systems?

The users must identify themselves and must be recorded. Such information can be vetted and phone numbers verified or even emails verified. Number of infections counted. The number of contacts determined.

Describe how 'user friendly' your solution is to incorporate into a digital identification system.

The language will be basic. Press the numbers on a basic phone and follows 1 to 3 steps to get registered.

Explain how your solution is interoperable with existing technologies and open standards.

The system uses existing technology and also incorporates a new way of communication and sending or receiving information. This information is invaluable and may be used to help to fight the spread of COVID 19.

How does your solution account for low connectivity environments and for users with low literacy and numeracy levels?

The system uses basic language with both Short Message Services and vocal options and methods of communications.

Select the key characteristics of your target population.

Women & Girls
Children & Adolescents
Elderly
Rural Settings
Urban
Poor
Low-Income
Middle-Income
Minorities & Previously Excluded Populations
Persons with Disabilities

In which countries do you currently operate?

South Africa

In which countries will you be operating within the next year?

Eswatini

How many people does your solution currently serve? How many will it serve in one year? In five years?

Not active at the moment we hope to reach 1000 000 users by year end. Double by 2021.

What are your goals within the next year and within the next five years?

We aim to grow and provide more tech solutions especially for mobile devices.

What barriers currently exist for you to accomplish your goals in the next year and in the next five years?

Financial we need funding to build the app properly.

Technical we need more engineers to work on the app to fine tune the look and the sound.

Legal we need also legal support to ensure future success.

How do you plan to overcome these barriers?

Acquiring finance and acquiring partnerships.

About Your Team

Your Business Model & Funding

Partnership & Prize Funding Opportunities

Solution Team:

Gregory Tommy Mbhele

Gregory Tommy Mbhele