2023
sQuid kick starts 2023 with new system releases for schools and parents
Last year was a busy year for the sQuid team with the development and introduction of new tools and improved features, designed to make school life easier for administrators and parents; and there are no signs of things slowing down in 2023, with the release of two brand new tools to simplify parent refunds.
6 January 2023
2022
Take our poll: Digital literacy and the school community
As we prepare to present at the mEducation Alliance Symposium in Washington D.C. next week, we want to hear your thoughts on how to improve the delivery of digital literacy to children in marginalised settings.
24 October 2022
sQuid announced as presenter at the mEducation Alliance Symposium 2022
We are excited to once again be asked to contribute at the upcoming mEducation Alliance Symposium in Washington, D.C.
3 October 2022
Reflections on the Transforming Education Summit in New York
Three months ago, we were privileged to attend the Transforming Education Pre Summit in Paris; a prelude to last week’s big event in New York. We were excited and honoured to share thinking with so many like-minded individuals – all unified by a passion to ensure that every child around the globe has access to...
28 September 2022
sQuid pays respects to Her Majesty, The Queen
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II today and would like to offer our condolences to her Majesty's family during this very difficult time.
8 September 2022
sQuid features in the Sunday Times of Zambia
Education is a basic human right recognized globally and documented in many education policies, even among sub-Saharan African countries, Zambia inclusive. Education must therefore be available to all people to enable them explore their maximum potential. After many years of...
21 August 2022
Digital tools for rural areas of Zambia
In an interview with Solwezi Today, sQuid CEO Adam Smith discusses the importance of innovating and delivering digital tools to rural parts of Zambia, ensuring that both formal education and digital learning is accessible to all children.
24 July 2022
sQuid attends the Transforming Education Pre Summit in Paris
We are honored to be attending the opening of the Transforming Education Pre Summit in Paris today and support initiatives which will help to transform education.
28 June 2022
Unicef Policy Brief on the challenge of providing digital education tools to all children – a response from sQuid
Unicef’s recent Policy Brief raised further awareness on the necessity and cost of providing digital education for all children. As well as quantifying the costs associated with electricity, internet access and devices, this thought-provoking paper identifies the importance of...
10 June 2022
The new sQuid app is here!
We are thrilled to announce that the new sQuid app is now available to download! The app delivers faster access and new ways to manage the important functions parents need from their sQuid account...
12 May 2022
sQuid extends digital marketplace for UK schools
Being at the heart of the education payments sector means that we understand many of the challenges faced by schools – never mind the additional pressures placed on them by the need to adjust to...
19 April 2022
2021
> sQuid to present its white paper findings on Driving Lieracy and Digital Literacy at the 2021 mEducation Alliance Symposium
We are delighted to be invited to present the findings from our recently released white paper titled ‘Driving Literacy and Digital Literacy – Lessons from iMlango in Kenya’ at the 2021 mEducation Alliance Symposium. ...
24 September 2021
> sQuid contributes to the dialogue on education during the Global Education Summit with launch of new white paper on Driving Literacy and Digital Literacy
This week UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta co-hosted the Global Education Summit in London. The Summit’s aim was to raise funds for the Global Partnership for Education (GPE)...
30 July 2021
> UK and Kenya to host major education summit this year
Coronavirus has worsened the global education crisis, with 1.3 billion children – including 650 million girls – out of education at the peak of school closures. Experts warn that many children will never return...
11 January 2021
2020
> Senior UBEC Nigeria team visit sQuid for iMukoko education project
Projects Director and Board representative attend two-day forum on boosting Nigeria’s digital future. Senator Abubakar Sadiq Yaradua and Mr Umar Iro, UBEC Board representative and Projects Director respectively, visited the headquarters of sQuidcard Ltd for cutting-edge conversations focussed on how digital technology will be able to transform Nigerian Basic Education.
20 October 2020
> Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP visits sQuid head office in Thames Ditton
As constituency MP for Esher and Walton, Dominic Raab visited sQuid, a technology company that is revolutionising education halfway round the world. sQuid – the British company based in Thames Ditton that created smartcard and digital wallet technologies used in school payment systems across the United Kingdom, and provides safe cashless payments on buses for those without bankcards – showed off to Mr Raab its projects in Kenya, Somalia and now Nigeria...
19 October 2020
> The risks of keeping schools closed far outweigh the benefits
All around the world, children's minds are going to waste. As covid-19 surged in early April, more than 90% of pupils were shut out of school. Since then the number has fallen by one-third, as many classrooms in Europe and East Asia have reopened. But elsewhere progress is slow.
22 July 2020
> iMlango launches new E-Learning App enabling students to learn at home during COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic that swept the world, quickly resulting in school closures in Kenya, we adapted the iMlango learning platform to ensure the continuation of education whilst students are at home.
20 May 2020
> Celebrating International Women's Day
This International Women’s day we’re celebrating the achievements of women and girls in Kenya, where we work to improve equality and empower them to become the best that they can be.
8 March 2020
2019
> World Bank warns of a crisis in Kenya’s education system
In October, the Daily Nation newspaper in Kenya ran an article in which the senior education specialist from the World Bank was quoted as saying that children going through the Kenyan education system are losing an estimated three years of education.
31 October 2019
> sQuid launches new Microfinance initiative at the mEducation Alliance Symposium in Washington, D.C.
sQuid, the digital transactions and payments service provider, launched its new Kenya Microfinance programme at the mEducation Alliance Symposium in Washington, D.C. Its purpose is to further drive community economic development and overcome education barriers...
11 October 2019
> Reflections from the 9th Annual mEducation Alliance Symposium
The mEducation Alliance Symposium in Washington, D.C. always provides opportunity to learn from others and to examine how our own iMlango programme is working in the wider context of digital innovation in learning.
10 October 2019
> Cityserve launches new school cashless and pre-ordering system powered by sQuid
Birmingham-based school caterer, Cityserve, has introduced a cashless payment and pre-ordering system for its clients. Exclusively for Cityserve schools in Birmingham, the new service which includes the sQuid Dinner Money and sQuid SchoolPay systems means there will be no cash-handling for school meals moving forward.
10 January 2019
2018
> sQuid invited to speak at UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s roundtable meeting on girls’ education
We were delighted to be asked to contribute to the recent Wilton Park discussion led by the Foreign and Commonwealth office centring on issues of girls’ education, where we were able to share some of our insights, especially on literacy, from our experiences in Kenya.
6 July 2018
> Future-Proofing Technology for Education in International Development: Mobiles for Education Alliance releases report on its 7th annual Symposium
The seventh annual Mobiles for Education (mEducation) Alliance Symposium, held October 5-6, 2017, brought together practitioners, thought leaders, policy makers, and funders to advance the use of and evidence for information and communications technology in global education (ICT4E).
23 May 2018
> sQuid invited to speak at Leveraging Technology to Scale Early Grade Reading in Africa event
The Leveraging Technology to Scale Early Grade Reading in Africa event aimed to enhance understanding of technology tools and resources to advance early grade reading efforts. Held in Pretoria, South Africa, the event was hosted by All Children Reading: A Grand Challenge for Development, Global Book Alliance, mEducation Alliance, and sponsored by World Vision and USAID in collaboration with Pearson Institute of Higher Education.
11 May 2018
> iMlango launches new Microloans initiative
We are pleased to announce that iMlango has launched a new Microloans initiative which provides access to funds for families in selected iMlango communities. The unique initiative provides recipients with funds to help them grow their business, and aims to focus the recipient family on the importance of saving for their children’s education.
27 April 2018
> The State of the World's Cash Report: Cash Transfer Programming in Humanitarian Aid
In recent years, the use of cash transfer programming (CTP) in humanitarian assistance has grown significantly. In 2016, we estimate that $2.8bn in humanitarian assistance was disbursed through cash and vouchers, up 40% from 2015 and approximately 100% from 2014. As this report describes, the move to CTP has strong roots and is set to continue.
01 February 2018
2017
> iMlango wins “Best e-learning platform” award at the Digital Inclusion Awards
We are delighted to share with you that iMlango was announced as the winner of the "Best e-learning platform" award at the Digital Inclusion Awards in Nairobi last week.
18 December 2017
> sQuid showcases innovative digital account technology at World Bank Annual Meetings
We were honoured to participate at the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington D.C. yesterday, where we had the opportunity to present our digital account technology at the Bridging the Inclusion and Technology Divide Fair.
13 October 2017
> Cashless payments for school meals available across Swansea
Online payments for school meals are being rolled out to primary schools in Swansea in the new term. Swansea Council is covering the cost of introducing the new online system provided by sQuid that allows parents or guardians to pay electronically for school meals and other school items.
29 August 2017
> sQuid attends CaLP’s Global Cash Forum, Geneva 28-29 June
sQuid recently attended The Cash Learning Partnership’s (CaLP) Global Cash Forum which brought together the world's leading stakeholders working on cash transfer programming in humanitarian response, including governments, the UN, NGOs and the private sector.
29 June 2017
> Save the Children partners with sQuid to deliver aid programme in drought-affected Somalia
Save the Children, the international humanitarian agency, has partnered with sQuid, the digital transaction solutions provider, to deliver much-needed aid to families displaced by drought and conflict in north-east Somalia.
9 June 2017
> Nearly 700,000 people have fled drought and hunger in Somalia
As the UN doubles the funding target needed to deliver its Humanitarian Response Plan for Somalia this year, new figures show that nearly 700,000 people have been displaced by hunger in the country, which is facing the most catastrophic drought since 1950.
11 May 2017
> UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson meets the sQuid Kenya team during visit to East Africa
As part of his three day tour of east Africa, the UK's Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs, the Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, attended a Technology and Innovation event, held at the High Commissioner's residence in Nairobi.
17 March 2017
> Celebrating International School Meals Day
Today we’re celebrating international school meals day to raise awareness of good nutrition for all children, regardless of their circumstances.
9 March 2017
> What happens when aid is given as direct cash transfers?
What is the best way of ensuring aid money is used effectively and efficiently? In Kenya, charities are experimenting with direct cash transfers, allowing individual recipients to spend the money on whatever they like.
1 March 2017
> Briefing on Cash Transfers for the International Development Committee, submitted by members of the Cash Learning partnership (CaLP)
The Independent Commission on Aid Impact recently concluded that cash-based programming delivers strong development results and represents excellent value for money for the UK taxpayer.
2 February 2017
> The effects of DFID’s cash transfer programmes on poverty and vulnerability
UK aid is succeeding in alleviating extreme poverty through its support for cash transfer programmes.
ICAI examined how well the Department for International Development (DFID) used cash transfer programmes to reduce poverty and vulnerability. The review found that the transfers...
12 January 2017
> sQuid’s response to the recent criticism of cash transfer programming
There was well publicised criticism in the media last week targeting cash transfers and their effectiveness to deliver well needed aid to the world’s poorest.
9 January 2017
2016
> sQuid's iMlango programme featured on Ireland's RTÉ News
sQuid's pioneering iMlango programme has gained more press coverage this week after appearing on Ireland's RTÉ News channel and online.
4 November 2016
> sQuid attends Digitech event on Technology and Innovation as part of Secretary of State for International Development’s trip to Kenya
We were honoured to be invited to the Digitech event on Technology and Innovation on Sunday 23 October at the British High Commissioner’s Residence, Kenya, which was attended by the Rt Hon Priti Patel MP, Secretary of State for International Development.
23 October 2016
> sQuid exhibit at LACA 2016
Last week, sQuid exhibited at the annual LACA The Main Event at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel. The 3-day event, held between Wednesday 6 July and Friday 8 July, was an ideal opportunity to meet Local Authority Catering Managers and Catering Providers who are looking to implement an online payment system in their schools.
13 July 2016
> sQuid's iMlango programme featured on BBC News
The UK's Department for International Development has announced £100m of funding to help 175,000 of the world's poorest girls get an education. The push will include smartcards that monitor attendance and offer incentives for families to send their daughters to school.
07 July 2016
> 'Chaos' surrounding school payment systems
There’s been a good deal of negative comment and press in recent weeks concerning the performance of some payment service providers who offer online services for schools to enable parents to pay for school meals and other activities. Poor service levels have resulted in money not being available for children at school, and additional administration by schools in managing the return of funds.
01 July 2016
> Reflections on the World Humanitarian Summit
After two days in Istanbul listening to government undertakings and speaking with many humanitarian actors, alongside some 5,000 other participants - I have been reflecting on the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS).
26 May 2016
> sQuid at the World Humanitarian Summit
Today, sQuid CEO, Adam Smith, attended the opening seminar at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul. The Stepping Up in Crises: Finance Delivery and Innovation in Education event was held in a private forum by UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, and organised by the Global Business Coalition for Education.
23 May 2016
> A Paradigm Shift in Humanitarian Payments
The call is out, loud and clear, for the Humanitarian Sector to embrace Cash, as the way ahead for effective programming. You are probably reading this because you already know about this call.
23 May 2016
> iMlango wins Dóchas “Innovative Programme of the Year” Award
sQuid’s partner, Camara Education, who made the application on behalf of the consortium were excited and honoured as the iMlango programme was announced as the winner of the Dóchas “Innovative Programme of the Year” Award in Dublin, on Friday 6 May.
11 May 2016
2015
> sQuid to be accepted on four additional transit operators in Norfolk
sQuid, the digital transaction solutions provider, is pleased to announce that it is to be accepted as a payment option on four additional bus operators, as part of an expansion to Norfolk County Council’s Holdall smartcard scheme.
02 December 2015
> sQuid to attend LACA North West Catering Expo
sQuid will be exhibiting at this year’s LACA North West Catering Expo, which is taking place on Tuesday 10 November at the DW Stadium in Wigan.
9 November 2015
> iMlango delivers world's first online children's encyclopaedia to Kenyan students
sQuid, the digital transaction solutions provider, is delighted to announce its iMlango education service in Kenya has partnered with Q-Files, the world’s first online children’s encyclopaedia, as part of its programme to evolve the education experience for primary school children.
30 October 2015
> iMlango Connecting Students in Rural Kenya
Bringing ICT into rural Kenyan classrooms has been challenging. Shipping and installing equipment has been time consuming. Reaching remote schools during the rains has been difficult. Project staff even had to work out how to stop ants moving into a server at one point. But the Girls’ Education Challenge iMlango project has successfully managed to put in place the three Cs of Connectivity, Content and Capacity.
06 August 2015
> Why FinTech is the key to a much-needed makeover in African aid
Aid in Africa is big business, but one that is often mired in scepticism. Global companies pour money in through corporate responsibility programmes, alongside government aid, which can be accused of supporting private sector ambitions...
11 February 2015
2014
> Global Humanitarian Agency concludes that sQuid is the fastest and most reliable cash transfer method in an emergency setting
Mercy Corps, a leading global humanitarian agency, has released key findings of a new and unique study which concludes that e-vouchers were the fastest and most reliable method to deliver cash assistance in an emergency setting studied in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
10 December 2014
> Removing Corruption in Aid Programmes
Last week saw the International Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) publish a detailed report on how The Department for International Development (DFID) were failing in their attempts at combating petty bribery and corruption in the countries where they deliver aid programmes.
04 November 2014
> UK 'must do more' to tackle aid corruption - BBC News
The UK government is not doing enough to tackle "petty corruption" in countries to which it gives aid, a report by a scrutiny body says.
31 October 2014
> sQuid attends the USAID Mobiles for Education Alliance Symposium in Washington D.C.
The 2014 Mobiles for Education Alliance Symposium took place October 22-24, bringing together a distinguished group of presenters and participants from around the world.
24 October 2014
> sQuid CEO, Adam Smith, speaks about Technology for Disaster relief on the BBC Business Daily programme
sQuid's Adam Smith was interviewed by Jamie Robertson on the BBC World Service Business Daily programme (from 11 minutes onwards).
15 October 2014
> The University of East Anglia Partners with sQuid to Launch ePayments on Campus
The University of East Anglia (UEA) has partnered with sQuid, the electronic payments network, to launch the very latest in contactless payment technology on campus.
08 October 2014
> UK Tech Company Delivers eLearning to Kenya's Marginalised Girls
The UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) has announced a ground-breaking strategic partnership with the private sector to deliver e-learning programmes in Kenya to thousands of marginalised girls.
18 July 2014
> Mercy Corps and sQuid launch smartcard aid payments programme in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mercy Corps, the leading global humanitarian agency, is using contactless smartcard and payments technology to launch a new aid programme in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
15 May 2014
2013
> Groupcall launch Messenger v5 with sQuid ePayments inside
Groupcall, the award-winning school-to-parent communication system, and sQuid, the electronic payments network, have joined forces to create a new integrated service for online payments and parental messaging.
17 October 2013
> sQuid Launches Nationwide Cash Top-Up with PayPoint
sQuid, the fastest growing ePayment platform in the UK education sector has teamed up with PayPoint to expand its account top-up capabilities.
03 October 2013
> Interview with Adam Smith 'E-money' challenge for high street banks
Coffee chains, internet companies and entrepreneurs are posing a new challenge to UK high street banks as they sign up in increasing numbers to provide internet and telephone payments.
14 April 2013