MRC Hub: Digitizing the volunteering experience and expanding accessibility
Download the MRC Hub - https://hub.redcrescent.org.mv/
Addressing Gaps: Why MRC needed a digital solution
As a humanitarian organization, MRC relies heavily on its network of volunteers, members, and community programmes to provide essential services across the Maldives. However, despite this network and experience over the past 15 years, we identified several gaps in how we manage volunteers and engage with the public.
Traditionally, volunteer recruitment and communication were managed through communal groups, social media sign-up calls, and individual outreach. While effective to an extent, these processes were time-consuming and limited our ability to engage with a broader, more diverse audience. Additionally, the lack of an accessible digital platform meant that potential volunteers and members had fewer opportunities to connect with MRC’s mission and services.
Recognizing the increasing digital connectivity across the Maldives, where the majority of people use smartphones and digital platforms daily, we saw an opportunity to address these challenges. The MRC Hub is our solution—designed to simplify the volunteer experience and make MRC more accessible than ever before.
Launching of the MRC Hub Mobile Application by IFRC’s Asia Pacific Regional Director Alexander Matheou
Expanding Our Reach and Accessibility
The MRC Hub is not just an app; it’s a comprehensive digital platform that opens up new pathways for the public to join and contribute to MRC’s humanitarian mission. Through the app, users can:
- Quickly sign up as a volunteer or member.
- Easily manage their profiles, track their volunteering journey, and log their progress.
- Access training, events, and community activities
- Request MRC services and support directly from their mobile phones.
This digital shift will allow MRC to engage with a wider and more diverse audience, enabling a more efficient volunteer mobilization process and enhances our ability to coordinate community outreach, trainings, and humanitarian services.The application also leverages security features, ensuring encrypted, secure data storage and usage strictly for approved purposes and is aligned with Red Cross Red Crescent data protection and the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) standards.
Transforming the Volunteer Experience
For both new and existing volunteers, the MRC Hub transforms the experience of working with MRC. It provides a streamlined process for signing up, staying informed about opportunities, and tracking involvement, all in one place. The app offers users the chance to be more involved in our Programmes & Services, acting when it matters most.
Through this digital innovation, MRC is not only increasing engagement but also improving how we manage volunteer information. By integrating data management and communication into the app, we can ensure that volunteers and members receive timely information, have access to necessary resources, and stay up to date with MRC’s latest initiatives. As we continue to embrace technology, the MRC Hub will play an essential role in shaping the future of volunteerism in the Maldives. By making it easier for people to contribute to our humanitarian mission, the app will help us build a stronger, more connected network of volunteers and members, all working together to support those in need.
A Step Towards Digital Transformation
The launch of MRC Hub launch symbolizes our commitment to innovation, accessibility, and a step towards digital transformation in line with the IFRC Digital Transformation Strategy while modernizing our operations. The platform allows us to reach more people, facilitate community services, and improve information management, all of which are critical components of the IFRC’s broader vision for digital growth across National Societies.
In future updates, MRC aims to introduce additional features like early warning alerts, intergrate an e-learning platform for trainings and certifications, tools for event tracking and community engagement further enriching this digital tool for our volunteers, members and the wider community.
The development of the MRC Hub was made possible through the support of the Turkish Red Crescent's National Societies Support Fund (NSSF). MRC also extends special thanks to Sharif Khaleel, consultant for the project and Software Engineer, who not only led its technical execution but also dedicated numerous additional hours voluntarily to enhance and refine the system..