Jobs, only a text message away

Updated on: Wednesday, September 23, 2009

A graduate from the Arab American University in Palestine with a major in computer information technology, Mohammed Zaid Al-Kilany cofounded Souktel, an organisation that seeks to improve people's lives by using mobile phone technology. One of the 20 global fellows recognised by the International Youth Foundation and Nokia, his innovative local solutions address global challenges.

Souktel created a simple phonebased 'job search/match engine,' wherein from any phone, job seekers can text 'mini-CVs ' that include basic data on their skills, location, and so on. These are then sent to Souktel's central database, accessible to hundreds of employers. Employers on their part create similar 'mini job ads' and post them on the same database so that job seekers can search for jobs on their phones. The database matches job seekers and employers with similar profiles, sending them SMS alerts with each other's data. By creating an interactive and accessible platform that 'levels the playing field' of access to job market information, Souktel narrows digital divides and promotes economic growth.

Al-Kilany explains: "It works everywhere. Our job matching technology is used by young people in refugee camps and our emergency aid service 'Aid Link' is used by NGOs to help farmers find out about places where they can sell their products, or where they can buy food essentials for their animals."

At present, Souktel is looking at collaborating with large private sector associations and industry governing groups, encouraging them to join their 'job match' service. Besides, they have recently partnered with three major Palestinian universities. It will now also be the main provider of job information on campus through their mobile phone software. "We hope to help as many as 40,000 people in Palestine to find jobs and related information in an efficient way, simply using their cell phones," he assures.

Having been selected as YouthActionNet Global Fellow, Al-Kilany is all set to travel to Washington, DC in November along with 19 other Fellows. He shares: "It offers a tremendous opportunity to meet and network with young social entrepreneurs. I'm looking forward to sharing our technology with others who care about community development and exploring ways of replicating our innovation."

Timesofindia

Jobs, only a text message away

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