Aaron Zinman
MIT Media Lab
Cambridge, MA
01239
USA
5656 (haiti)
azinman@media.mit.edu
The Konbit system aims to connect workers in Haiti with NGO's that need assistance. Employers typically utilize the Internet and prefer to see a written list of skills, while many workers seeking jobs are illiterate and do not have Internet access. Konbit bridges the communication gap. Haitians can call the toll-tree number and make a recording of their skills and availability. Crowd-sourced volunteers translate and transcribe the messages in any language the NGO can use. Organizations can then search though the messages to find employees and services they need when and where they need them. This service should reduce the need for organizations to rely on imported employees and improve and accelerate response to natural disaster and other crises.
Konbit was developed at the MIT Media Lab by Aaron Zinman and Greg Elliot. It has been deployed in Haiti and may be expanded to other countries if the project is successful.
Publicly available: yes
Countries where available: Haiti
Price range (USD): Free
Available online: yes