The Ministry of Education, in partnership with Newnet and Vodafone, launched short codes for the ministry aimed at providing an easier and a new means of communication between the Ministry and the public.
The short codes, which are assigned to the various education offices around the country, are in line with Government’s intention to fully capitalise on the ICT sector.
While launching the Newnet short codes in Suva today, Education Minister Filipe Bole said the launch is a significant testimony to the Government and corporate partnership which the Bainimarama government encourages.
“This assistance will greatly assist us in sharing important information with key stakeholders so that we remain engaged and on the correct par to meeting our objective. Today we launch the Ministry of Education mobile information centre that consists of a unique short code and a subscription channel- two very powerful communication tools that will enhance our communication capacity,” Mr Bole said.
Mr Bole said the Newnet short code is a unique 4-digit number that will allow mobile users faster access to the ministry.
“The MOE subscription channel will allow my ministry to keep all necessary stakeholders like education officers, school principals and head teachers around Fiji, regardless of geographical location, on par with important information in a timely and cost-effective manner.”
The Minister also reiterated that it is everyone’s responsibility to inspire children to understand the importance of a good education in nation building.
Several schools are already on this short code telephone system including Suva Grammar School, Adi Cakobau School, Ratu Kadavulevu School and Nasinu Secondary.
“These schools have already started using a subscription channel with much positive feedback from the parents. It is also significant to note that all schools around Fiji are also able to have and use a short code and subscription channel. As such, they too keep their key stakeholders well informed about the upbringing and education of their children. Thus, reinforcing the ministry’s efforts to meet our objectives and synchronizing, in part, the efforts of the whole environment of the Education Ministry,” Mr Bole highlighted.
Meanwhile, Vodafone’s Product Manager Sponsorship/Public Relations Ligavatu Gukisuva said the short code services will keep parents and old scholars informed on all school activities and achievements.
“With the implementation of this new service, we will be assisting the ministry with their quest to provide better communication services, assisting in meeting some of their objectives while at the same time providing an easier, more convenient and cost-effective means of providing information,” Mr Gukisuva said.
The service would be available to Vodafone and Inkk users and will be charged at normal mobile to mobile rates- at 22c per unit peak period.
-End-