DTS’s Frontline Humanitarian Toolbox has been shortlisted for the Big Chip Awards 2018 in two categories: Best Tech for Good Project and Most Innovative Application of Technology.

The Frontline Humanitarian Toolbox (FHT) was developed by DTS for Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) to provide critical humanitarian training to Syrian aid workers delivering aid in the most difficult to reach and insecure areas.

FHT uses Digital Training Solution’s unique Near-Life™ technology to provide an interactive, digital role-play experience to learners that are unable to attend face-to-face training. The course is divided into four modules aimed at giving a basic grounding in humanitarian principles, situational awareness, personal security and stress management.

Each module includes an interactive scenario. Filmed on location in Jordan, entirely in Arabic, the scenarios are designed to put the learning into practice. Having a safe space to make mistakes has been proven to improve knowledge retention; learning by doing ensures that when similar situations arise in the field, learners will be more likely to respond appropriately.  The project also includes the development of a mobile app, using progressive web app technology, to allow for offline learning in a region where a reliable internet connection can be challenging.

Supporting affected populations in Syria

More than 6.6 million people have been displaced inside Syria since the conflict started in 2011. NRC is supporting affected populations, both internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities, in settlements, collective centres, and houses, and in rural and urban areas providing services across sectors including shelter and non-food items (NFIs), education (including school rehabilitation), water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), food security, and information counselling and legal assistance (ICLA).

DTS Creative Director, Mike Todd, said:

We’re really pleased to be shortlisted for Big Chip Awards 2018 in two categories. Big Chip gets better every year. It’s been fantastic to be able to work with Norwegian Refugee Council on a project like Frontline Humanitarian Toolbox; it’s great to know that in a small way we are supporting the people on the front lines who are truly making a difference.

About Big Chip

Big Chip is the UK’s longest running digital industry awards and the biggest outside London. It has an unrivalled reputation for judging consistency and integrity. Run by and for the digital industry – not for profit – the Big Chip Awards are for all things digital in the north of England.