Dost Education

A mobile service that empowers mothers to be an integral part of their child's development—including learning to read

Dost Education
A group of women in India test the DOST Education app that equips parents to engage in their children's learning.

A mobile service that empowers mothers to be an integral part of their child's development—including learning to read


Project Name

Breaking the cycle of illiteracy by empowering mothers

Location Implemented

India

Technology Used

Communications Technology

Competition Entered

Big Ideas@Berkeley 2015/16 Prize

Reading Skill Targeted

Reading Environment

Status

Winner

Amount Award

$10,000

Collaborators/Partners

The Challenge

Children who do not develop reading skills during early primary education are on a lifetime trajectory of limited economic opportunities and poorer health. Early grade reading competency is critical for continued retention and success in future grades. Novel mobile technology-based innovations or methods can improve reading outcomes for children in developing countries.

The Big Idea

Dost, or “Friend” in multiple languages, mobile platform helps low-income moms in developing countries engage in their child’s education. Through short, prerecorded voice messages delivered via a call to feature mobile phones, Dost offers parents a low-cost and highly scalable approach to access the knowledge they crave to unleash their child’s potential. Dost is unique because it delivers action-oriented content to functionally illiterate moms through the technology already in their hands.

Results

From 200 users in 2017, Dost has now reached 45,000+ users across cities in India.

Blogs and Media

Research and Resources

Connect with the Innovator

Website

http://www.dosteducation.com/

Organization Type

Individual

Headquarters

San Francisco, CA, USA