Today there is still a ‘usage gap’ of 3.4 billion people who have access to mobile broadband coverage, but are either unable or unwilling to use it.

GSMA research has consistently shown that low levels of basic digital literacy are one of the main barriers to mobile internet adoption. To address this, in 2016 the GSMA Connected Society programme – with financial support from DFID – developed the Mobile Internet Skills Training Toolkit (MISTT), a set of resources to promote digital literacy, help people use the internet more safely on their mobile and ensure they have the skills required for a digital future.

The MISTT uses a ‘train the trainer’ approach and consists of short lessons in a PDF format that can be easily adapted to local needs and languages.

MISTT modules consist of an introductory module that covers the basics of the internet, including internet safety and costs, as well as modules on WhatsApp, YouTube, Google, Wikipedia, Facebook, Online Safety, Mobile Money, Android, Accessibility Features and KaiOS. A number of MISTT modules have already been translated into 6 languages: English, French, Swahili, Hindi, Bengali and Kinyarwanda.

MISTT modules are also available in video format to enable users to learn remotely and avoid long journeys for those who live in very remote areas or when face-to-face trainings cannot be conducted. A number of these videos are also available in four West African languages: Yoruba, Dendi, Fon and Nago.

The MISTT has also been integrated into the Life App, a self-care basic digital content application developed by KaiOS Technologies for KaiOS enabled phones to equip first-time internet users with tools and resources in digital skills, health, education, gender equality, agriculture, finances and more.

The MISTT is free to use and has primarily been adopted by MNOs, digital players, NGOs and other organisations that have an interest in deploying digital literacy skills initiatives.

If you are interested in rolling out the MISTT with support from the GSMA Connected Society programme, or would like to hear about best practices, you can get in touch with us by emailing connectedsociety@GSMA.com.

To download the MISTT training materials please click here. And if you’d like to be the first to hear about new MISTT modules, features and publications, subscribe to the MISTT mailing list and we’ll email you with important updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.