mBoost: Strengthening Parental Engagement in Literacy through Mobile Messaging in Sri Lanka

• In Event: Changes in Attitudes, Changes in Latitudes: Contextually relevant digital tools supporting literacy across USDA MGD School Feeding interventions

Proposal

The **mBoost Initiative** is a digital tool developed by Save the Children as part of the USDA PALAM/A project, which aims to enhance parental engagement in literacy promotion. mBoost leverages mobile phone technology to deliver text and voice messages to caregivers, providing them with practical guidance on how to support their children's learning and development. This initiative supplements face-to-face workshops by offering additional, accessible resources that help parents engage more effectively in their children's literacy activities.



The decision to implement mBoost in Sri Lanka was influenced by several factors unique to the country's context. Sri Lanka's literacy rate is relatively high, yet disparities exist in how parents engage in their children's educational development, especially in rural areas. The country's widespread use of mobile phones, even among lower-income households, presented an opportunity to reach a broad audience in a cost-effective and scalable manner. This informed the design of mBoost to be simple, accessible, and adaptable to different technological capabilities. The use of SMS and voice messages ensures that both basic and smartphone users could benefit from the initiative. Moreover, the flexible timing of message delivery was crucial in accommodating the daily routines of caregivers, making it easier for them to integrate the suggested activities into their schedules. This approach also enables regular messaging and prompts that increase the changes of caregivers practically applying suggestions that can improve engagement with their children.



To support literacy development, mBoost sends structured messages over a three-month period, targeting caregivers from selected schools across seven districts. These messages are designed to gradually build parental involvement in literacy activities. During the first two months, the focus is on child well-being and positive parenting practices, which lay the groundwork for more targeted literacy interventions. The final month emphasizes oral language development, a key building block for literacy skills. Each week, caregivers receive three messages: the first introduces a simple concept related to literacy or child development, the second suggests an easy-to-implement activity, and the third follows up to reinforce the week's lessons. This structure ensures that caregivers not only receive information but also have clear, actionable steps to support their children's learning.



The mBoost initiative is further supported by multiple feedback and monitoring mechanisms. During face-to-face workshops, caregivers are encouraged to discuss their experiences with the messages, and any technical issues are addressed promptly. Staff engage with caregivers individually to assess the effectiveness of the messages and gather feedback for continuous improvement. A dedicated hotline allows caregivers to seek assistance as needed. To foster shared learning, a WhatsApp group was created, where parents can share their experiences, adaptations, and innovations related to the activities suggested by mBoost. This platform not only enriches the program but also empowers parents to take a more active role in their children's education. Through these comprehensive efforts, mBoost aims to make a significant impact on literacy outcomes by enhancing parental engagement and providing ongoing support tailored to the needs of Sri Lankan caregivers.

Authors

• Rushika Anukshi Tehani Dias, Save the Children

• sanath manage, Save the Children