Today we are heading out with 2 missions: one technical and the other of socio-economical nature.  We start eagerlysearching2 at 06:00 armed with 2 mobile phones, 1 of each of the 2 large Telco’s operational in the region, Movistar and Claro. They have different areas of coverage in the region. We are hunting for telecommunication signals, mapping those communities with coverage. Why? Cooperative "20 de Abril" and STRO will pilot a methodology that will make use of the transferral of remittances via mobile phones translating into easier access to remittances funds and saved money and time for mothers/grandmothers/husbands and children staying behind. No more 8 hour trips to Quilali to collect money, but enhanced economic activity in the local communities themselves! We found some signals and a new antenna, bringing more coverage to our target communities soon!

Read here the first blog of Suzanne: A visit to Cooperativa 20 de Abril