The Molave Foundation is involved in a project using SMS for long-distance education. All that a student needs to do is to text a request and then a code is given enabling him or her to enter the system.

At present two major subjects are covered: Maths and English. The modules are set by informal education teachers on a volunteer basis.

The option to use SMS was because it is cheap and thus affordable for low-income earners and also because the targeted students were already familiar with the technology. The students say that since they were already texting to friends why not  use this method for a worthwhile purpose?

The interesting part was that students took part in identifying their needs and the modules were formulated depending on what the users needed at that time.

The students also claim that studying using the mobile is so exciting to them, especially because it is done from anywhere including at home or even if moving around, cooking etc. For those who are in school or want to prepare to sit exams, it is used as a review in preparation for the exams.

Irma F.Saligumba, a coordinator for one of the programs, says that mobile phones are a way to bridge the education gap in developing countries. The project is sponsored by IDRC