A Facebook group has recognized the displaced people’s to stay connected to their loved ones and decided to help them in their journey.
The group ‘Phone Credit for Refugees and Displaced People’ is connecting refugees displaced in Europe with donors who can help pay for their cell phone data and minutes.
In the six months since its February launch, the group has managed to collect more than 20,000 members and raised almost 100,000 British pounds ― or around $130,000, according to the Guardian.
How does it work?
Refugees simply post in the Facebook group when they need credit added to their pay-as-you-go phones, according to the page. Donors can then add funds directly to their mobile accounts online, or donate to the group so the administrators can distribute funds.
Founder James Pearce posted in the Facebook group: “I can only imagine when you are many miles from home in very uncertain circumstances that being able to keep in touch with friends and family is a big priority for most. Hopefully together we will be able to help lots of people sustain this incredibly important communication lifeline a little bit more easily.”
For refugees on the move, having access to cell phones to use the internet and make calls is essential. Wifi can be just as important as food or water for many migrants, aid worker Isaac Kwamy told Reuters.
Refugees use their phones to access key information on border closings, according to research from BBC Media Action. Migrants also use apps like Google Maps or Facebook to map their journeys, so they don’t have to rely on traffickers.