Multi-Channel Messaging Gateways (SMS, Telegram & Push)

Parent communication is vital for student safety, attendance monitoring, and fee compliance. YeneSchool dispatches notifications across three primary delivery channels, automatically choosing the optimal path based on parent preferences and device connectivity.

1. Ethio Telecom & Commercial SMS Gateways

SMS is essential for reaching guardians in regions without mobile data connectivity or without smartphones:

1. Navigate to Platform Settings > Integrations > SMS Gateway.
2. Select your gateway provider:
   • Ethio Telecom Bulk SMS API: Direct carrier SMPP / HTTP endpoint.
   • Africa's Talking: Multi-country East African SMS aggregator.
   • Generic HTTP Gateway: Custom REST endpoint for local telecommunications aggregators.
3. Enter API credentials (Sender ID, API Token, Base URL).
4. Configure Automatic Trigger Events:
   • [X] Send SMS when student is marked Unexcused Absent.
   • [X] Send SMS on student Late Check-in (arrival after morning bell).
   • [X] Send SMS 3 days before Tuition Installment Due Date.
   • [X] Send SMS for Emergency School Closures.

2. School Telegram Bot Integration

Telegram is widely popular across Ethiopia and provides completely free rich-media message delivery:

1. Create School Bot with @BotFather:
   • Open Telegram and message @BotFather.
   • Send /newbot, provide your school's name, and receive the HTTP Bot Token (e.g., 7123456789:AAH...).
2. Connect to YeneSchool:
   • Go to Platform Settings > Integrations > Telegram Bot.
   • Paste the Bot Token and save.
3. Parent Enrollment Workflow:
   • Parents open your school bot link (e.g., https://t.me/stgeorge_school_bot).
   • The bot prompts the parent to enter their registered mobile phone number.
   • YeneSchool automatically verifies the phone number against student guardian records and links their Telegram chat_id.
   • From that moment forward, attendance logs, quarterly report card PDFs, and teacher notes arrive instantly in Telegram.

3. Web Push & Mobile Notifications

For parents and teachers using the mobile app or desktop browser:

• Built on Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) and standard W3C Web Push protocols.
• Notifications trigger instant banner alerts even when the browser tab is closed.
• Delivered securely with zero per-message carrier fees.