Technology, when properly applied, does not merely streamline processes. At times, it protects fundamental rights. This is the story of how a digital platform can become an instrument of public policy serving children.
A Platform That Does More Than Keep Records
Within the framework of Plan International's Safe Horizons project — funded by the European Union and carried out in coordination with the Ministries of Education across all four countries — UrbaDigital designed and engineered the Best Practices Platform for School Safety: a digital space to register, score, and share impactful experiences fostering safer, more resilient school environments.
The platform's value reaches far beyond technical execution. It acts as an engine for visibility and inspiration: each initiative documented by a school in Quito can serve as a blueprint for an institution in Bogotá, Lima, or Cochabamba. It does not merely archive good practices — it amplifies them, provides regional reach, and inspires other schools to register their own solutions.
The Development Process
The consultancy unfolded in clear, structured phases using agile methodologies and ongoing validation alongside Plan International's team:
Kick-off Meeting and Foundation Setting
Consulting team introduction, goal alignment, and baseline methodological framework established with Plan International.
Registration Form Design
Design of the initiative submission form tailored to the Terms of Reference and aligned with the diverse profiles of participating institutions.
User-Story-Driven Development
Modular programming ensuring every capability directly met the real-world operational needs of educators, coordinators, and evaluators.
Progress Reviews and Ongoing Validation
Regular milestone check-ins with Plan International representatives to showcase developments, integrate feedback, and guarantee quality throughout.
Pilot Testing with Demo Initiatives
Defect detection and resolution through controlled testing scenarios featuring real-world initiatives prior to production rollout.
Training, Technical Manual, and Video Tutorial
Comprehensive enablement sessions for Plan International staff supported by complete documentation and video guides to ensure autonomous operations.
Domain Setup and Official Handover
Production domain configuration and formal delivery of the live platform, fully prepared to process submissions across all four nations.
The children of the Andean region cannot wait.
For UrbaDigital, this project demonstrates that technology, thoughtfully deployed, serves as a catalyst for public policy and international cooperation: a bridge that connects institutions, highlights proven solutions, and gives successful initiatives the visibility they deserve. Every documented experience represents a concrete step toward safer school environments for millions of girls and boys.
Explore the Platform →Developed by UrbaDigital S.A. · In partnership with Plan International · Safe Horizons Project · Funded by the European Union
We are an Ecuadorian technology company specializing in digital transformation, data engineering, and custom SaaS development for both public and private sectors. We build where technology drives real-world impact.
Learn more about our projects at urbadigital.com