Inspiration
Inspiration We witnessed classmates struggling to attend online classes and submit assignments because they couldn't afford mobile data. One student shared how he had to choose between buying data for his courses or food for his family. This heartbreaking reality inspired us to create MBs4U - because no student should have to choose between education and basic needs. We believe internet access is not a luxury, but a essential tool for education in today's digital world.
What it does
What it does MBs4U is a web platform that connects students in need with educational data support. Students can register and submit requests for mobile data packages, providing details about their educational needs. Administrators review and approve legitimate requests, while donors can support the initiative. The system includes secure authentication, request tracking, and feedback mechanisms to ensure transparency and proper use of resources for genuine educational purposes.
How we built it
How we built it Backend: Python with Flask framework Database: SQLite for local development (originally MySQL on AWS RDS) Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript Hosting: Local deployment with Flask development server Authentication: Flask-Login for secure user management
Challenges we ran into
Challenges we ran into AWS Deployment Challenges: Initially struggled with cloud deployment - spent days troubleshooting database connections between Elastic Beanstalk and RDS Circular Imports: Our code structure caused crashes that were hard to debug during AWS migration Version Control: Managing the transition between cloud and local development versions Database Migration: Adapting from AWS RDS back to SQLite for reliable local hosting
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Accomplishments that we're proud of Built a fully functional full-stack web application that runs perfectly locally Created a working system with complete user authentication and request management Successfully implemented all core features: student registration, data requests, admin approval system, and feedback tracking Developed a platform that solves a real problem in our community, ready for immediate use Adapted quickly when cloud deployment challenges arose, ensuring our project remains fully operational
What we learned
What we learned Technical: Full-stack web development with Flask, database management with SQLite, web security principles Teamwork: How to collaborate effectively under pressure and adapt to changing technical requirements Problem-solving: Importance of having a reliable fallback option when facing deployment challenges User focus: Building something that real people actually need and use, regardless of hosting environment Agility: How to pivot technical approach while maintaining core functionality and user experience
What's next for MBs4U: Internet for Education
What's next for MBs4U Immediate Next Steps:
Complete AWS deployment for public access
Develop a mobile app for easier student access
Partner with local universities to reach more students
Future Vision:
Establish partnerships with telecom companies for bulk data packages
Expand to serve multiple universities and colleges across the region
Implement corporate sponsorship programs for sustainable funding
Add SMS notifications for request status updates
Develop analytics to measure educational impact and optimize resource allocation
Long-term Goal: Become the go-to platform for educational data support, helping thousands of students access online learning opportunities regardless of their financial situation
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