Background

The Social Advancement for Family Empowerment (SAFE) Foundation, established in 2007, is a non-profit dedicated to assisting the most vulnerable and impoverished families in society. Located in the Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka, SAFE has been pivotal in running various income-generation activities, development initiatives, and family empowerment programmes. The continuous drive for improvement and collaboration with local government institutes, fellow NGOs, and international development agencies such as USAID set the stage for SAFE’s digital transformation, which commenced in earnest in 2019.

The Challenge

Transitioning to a digital framework presented a multitude of challenges for SAFE. The organisation grappled with unreliable network connections that severely disrupted daily operations and lacked the in-house expertise necessary to identify and implement effective digital solutions. Additionally, budget constraints further restricted their ability to adopt modern technologies, leaving them dependent on outdated methods for storing and sharing information.

The Solution

The collaboration with HighFlyer, initiated through the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships Programme (SAPP), provided the catalyst for change. HighFlyer's comprehensive assessment of SAFE’s operations led to a tailored strategy focusing on gradual digital integration, starting with fundamental improvements in network infrastructure and extending to comprehensive training in digital tools and processes.

An Incremental Approach to Digitalisation

HighFlyer’s phased strategy began with immediate enhancements such as the installation of Network Extenders provided by SLT Mobitel to mitigate poor network coverage. As SAFE’s reliance on internet services grew, further negotiations with Mobitel led to the establishment of a dedicated cell tower, drastically improving connectivity and stability.

Unifying Operations with Microsoft 365

The adoption of Microsoft 365 was a significant leap forward, marking the integration of various digital tools under one platform. This transition facilitated the streamlining of internal communications, document management, and project coordination, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and external credibility.

Expanding Digital Capabilities

With improved infrastructure, SAFE began to embrace more advanced digital solutions. HighFlyer introduced Google Workspace products, training staff to utilise Google Docs for collaborative writing and Google Calendar for scheduling and planning. These tools replaced outdated practices and significantly enhanced organisational productivity and communication.

Becoming Active Participants in Thinking Digital-First

The shift to a digital-first mindset allowed SAFE to explore and identify new technological opportunities independently, reducing their reliance on external consultants. This newfound capability enabled SAFE to conceptualise and begin developing an online grievance management system for Sri Lanka’s foreign workers and to overhaul their website to better serve their community.

The Conclusion

The digital transformation journey of the SAFE Foundation is a compelling illustration of how strategic planning and partnership can profoundly impact a non-profit organisation. With an open-minded and adaptable team, SAFE embraced new technologies, resulting in remarkable improvements in operational effectiveness. The ongoing partnership with HighFlyer continues to play a crucial role, not just in providing expertise but in fostering an environment of continuous learning and adaptation.