In its ongoing journey to become a more inclusive, transparent, and child-centered organization, Save the Children Colombia has launched a groundbreaking tool that redefines how it listens and responds to the people it serves. “Your Voice Counts” is an accessible, voice-based accountability system that ensures everyone regardless of ability or literacy level can share their feedback, concerns, and needs. 

Bridging a Critical Gap in Participation 

While Save the Children Colombia processes over 2,600 accountability reports each month, the system’s reliance on written feedback excludes a significant portion of the population about 15%, including individuals with disabilities, low literacy levels, or those who require assistance to communicate. This exclusion represents a fundamental barrier to meaningful participation and rights-based engagement. 

A Community-Centered Solution 

“Your Voice Counts” emerged from a collaborative design process involving children, community members, field staff, and disability experts. The tool features an interactive voice mailbox powered by AI language models, allowing users to speak their feedback instead of  writing it. This makes the reporting process far more inclusive and adaptive to diverse communication needs. 

Key features include: 

• An automated alert system to detect potential risks.
• Age-specific modules to tailor engagement across different age groups.
• Enhanced accessibility for historically marginalized populations.

The system was piloted in four regional offices, with over 100 test sessions and comprehensive staff training to ensure effective rollout and community adoption. 

Backed by LIFT Labs: Innovation with Purpose 

“Your Voice Counts” was developed with the support of LIFT Labs, Save the Children’s global innovation team launched in 2021. LIFT Labs focuses on turning bold ideas into actionable solutions that drive lasting change for children worldwide. Their approach centers on cocreation, learning by doing, and challenging the status quo working as a catalyst for systemic transformation across the organization. 

A Voice for Every Child 

With this new tool, Save the Children Colombia reaffirms its commitment to inclusive accountability, where every voice matters especially those of children and vulnerable individuals often left unheard in conventional systems. 

Because when it comes to protecting rights, every voice counts.