Think Creative - Issue 1

Dispatches

updates from around our world

Looking Good!

Province

Boxes are inspected for damage

Printer

On the Way!

Books are printed, labeled and shipped

Journey through Afghanistan: Inside Creative’s digital book tracking system

Afghanistan // Afghan Children Read

In a remote primary school inHerat province in western Afghanistan, teachers eagerly awaited 12 large cardboard boxes filled with newly print- ed textbooks and learningmaterials. For weeks, the school had anticipated the delivery but they were uncertain whether it would arrive. Afghanistan’s ongoing conflict has many negative effects, and its education system is not immune to the disruption. In a fragile state like Afghanistan, security risks complicate coordination of delivery logistics; the most efficient routes may also be the most dangerous for drivers. These security risks, in addition to insufficient storage facilities, lack of organization, and corrupted supply chains where textbooks are sold on the black market, sometimes keep school materials out of the hands of students eager to learn.

But a new system is changing the game and ensuring that textbooks find their way to the students and teachers who need themmost. Implemented by Creative Associates Interna- tional’s Development Lab, an innovative “Track and Trace” technology system is identifying and resolving distribution systemgaps for Afghan Children Read, a USAID-supported primary education project working in the four provinces of Herat, Kabul, Nangarhar and Laghman. InMarch, the Afghan Children Read Track and Trace systemwas launched in 358 schools and Community-Based Education Centers, and 139,284 student textbooks, activity books, teacher guides and continuous assessment books were delivered in two provinces: Herat and Kabul. The rollout applied a blend of mo- bile application-based and Short Message Ser-

vice (SMS or text message) data collection to confirm the location and delivery of materials. Better oversight of book delivery through Track and Trace technology is helping to reduce the effects of corrupt practices plaguing education in Afghanistan. From the printer to the primary school in Her- at that has received its books, the streamlined monitoring process has four key elements: • Label Design , which is customized according to final school destination, helps printers label shipments accurately; • Book Tracker Mobile App , which enables Afghan Children Read staff to confirm the shipment and location of boxes as they move through delivery routes;

Infographic by Amanda Smallwood

10 | Think Creative | Issue 1