Its a very tangible use of old computers for fun and education. These computers would otherwise be discarded. It is very easy to imagine a second hand computer being used in schools and projects across the world and I know that I would appreciate that emotional link to a charitable organization.
This is a really good idea. I'm surprised more organisations aren't doing work like this. This gives people from all walks of life a chance to actually learn skills relavent to the modern world. Needless to say this will give them a big step up when it comes to looking for employment and opens up far more avenues for them in this respect. I also feel the feedback which is sought is very sensible, many organisations tend to just look at the problem, fix it and then move on elsewhere. If you don't get feedback, how can you achieve the maximum potential of your resources or make them work more effeciently?
Yes, it sounds brilliant! For a contribution of only 45 euros, what the PC specifications. How are the machines powered? When are the PCs anticipated to be out of use, and how has the ultimate disposal been incorporated in the project?
We've found that while a lot of schools don't have electricity, most are willing and able to get it in order to receive the computers. The computers have a life-expectancy of five years and when they reach their end of life they're returned to the Hub and ultimately recycled
This would appear to be an excellent plan. One of the strongest aspects of it is the fact that it consciously addresses many of the myriad of problems infrastructure development and education exchange come up against in developing countries. The emphasis on continued support, result monitoring and long term feasibility is both refreshing and encouraging.
Great idea but I have a two questions. First of all: what are the responses of the students and the teachers to your project? You state that you stay in touch with the schools that you have supplied with computers: what are the problems they come across, how have you dealt with them, and what are the positive responses? Also, I would like to know whether you do anything about problems with electricity. Many if not most schools do not have reliable access to electricity which is essential for the computers to work. Do you provide solutions to this problem if a school in a rural area wishes to be supplied with your computers?
Both are great questions. The feedback we get is just integrated into the programme on a constant basis, mainly because I never shut up about it. For example some of the schools say they haven't got training in Linux which is the OS we use and we'd take that up with the local Hub. Most are delighted with the hardware, software, price, and after-sales service. In particular the kids love Linux for some reason. One thing we do suffer from is over-congestion in the labs- even when the schools have enough computers. We may have to start training in how to manage the resource (ie. ensure the pcs are used throughout the day every day)
A definite shortfall is that if a school can't get electricity we can't help them as part of our main programme. It's something we're going to have to look into for particularly poor schools, and seek additional funding for. Even rural schools are generally able to get it- I think the prospect of getting the computers just acts as that extra push.
Camara's proposal is a really needed intervention. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) are often forgotten about when thinking about improving the education system. There tend to be projects that either focus on education or on people living with AIDS/OVCs. This project successfully combines education and PLWA/OVC. There is an ever-increasing number of PWLA/OVC in Uganda, and, if funded, this project could begin to serve an often forgotten population. Good luck, Camara!
Camara's proposal is a really needed intervention. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) are often forgotten about when thinking about improving the education system. There tend to be projects that either focus on education or on people living with AIDS/OVCs. This project successfully combines education and PLWA/OVC. There is an ever-increasing number of PWLA/OVC in Uganda, and, if funded, this project could begin to serve an often forgotten population. Good luck, Camara!
Camara's proposal is a really needed intervention. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) are often forgotten about when thinking about improving the education system. There tend to be projects that either focus on education or on people living with AIDS/OVCs. This project successfully combines education and PLWA/OVC. There is an ever-increasing number of PWLA/OVC in Uganda, and, if funded, this project could begin to serve an often forgotten population. Good luck, Camara!
This project is a great idea, particularly the training that takes place in Africa. Camara are working on the full life cycle of PCs- setup, maintenance and end of life. In addition promoting the use of PCs within an educational setting makes so much sense. Schools in the UK are littered with PCs and technology, Camara are working towards learners in Africa having similar access and the opportunities that follow subsequently.
As someone who has recently traveled to Uganda, I have seen first hand the type of work and level of commitment that Camara is able to provide. During the course of my trip, I saw nothing but the best efforts put forth in every situation and there was always a strong emphasis on making sure the job was done correctly. It is my opinion that this would be a great oppurtunity to empower the youth of Africa to achieve more as well as to help others around them.
It's reassuring to see open source systems being used in your project, we've found them far more reliable and cost-effective, good to see some foresight in the development community. I wonder is there the potential with Camara's work for correspondence programs between US schools and connected schools in the developing world...
Howdy, I have an entry at the above link. I think my project would work really well with yours. I have yet to fund myself, but I am working on it. My idea is for an online general education curriculum. I am into alternate sources of energy, I built a wind turbine that could produce enough electricity to run a computer. In Africa, such a thing could be used with solar to power remote computer hubs, or provide certain buildings with enough juice to run some online classes.
No matter what, my education system is of no use without computers. Your orphanages would qualify as public places and recieve my curriculum at no cost whatsoever.
Commentaires
Great idea,
Its a very tangible use of old computers for fun and education. These computers would otherwise be discarded. It is very easy to imagine a second hand computer being used in schools and projects across the world and I know that I would appreciate that emotional link to a charitable organization.
That sounds like a brilliant idea. Charging a small amount for computers is a great way to help install motivation and appreciation in people.
This is a really good idea. I'm surprised more organisations aren't doing work like this. This gives people from all walks of life a chance to actually learn skills relavent to the modern world. Needless to say this will give them a big step up when it comes to looking for employment and opens up far more avenues for them in this respect. I also feel the feedback which is sought is very sensible, many organisations tend to just look at the problem, fix it and then move on elsewhere. If you don't get feedback, how can you achieve the maximum potential of your resources or make them work more effeciently?
Yes, it sounds brilliant! For a contribution of only 45 euros, what the PC specifications. How are the machines powered? When are the PCs anticipated to be out of use, and how has the ultimate disposal been incorporated in the project?
Thank you, and good luck with the project.
Heya,
We've found that while a lot of schools don't have electricity, most are willing and able to get it in order to receive the computers. The computers have a life-expectancy of five years and when they reach their end of life they're returned to the Hub and ultimately recycled
Thanks for your interest and support
This would appear to be an excellent plan. One of the strongest aspects of it is the fact that it consciously addresses many of the myriad of problems infrastructure development and education exchange come up against in developing countries. The emphasis on continued support, result monitoring and long term feasibility is both refreshing and encouraging.
Hi,
Great idea but I have a two questions. First of all: what are the responses of the students and the teachers to your project? You state that you stay in touch with the schools that you have supplied with computers: what are the problems they come across, how have you dealt with them, and what are the positive responses? Also, I would like to know whether you do anything about problems with electricity. Many if not most schools do not have reliable access to electricity which is essential for the computers to work. Do you provide solutions to this problem if a school in a rural area wishes to be supplied with your computers?
Thanx!
Heya,
Both are great questions. The feedback we get is just integrated into the programme on a constant basis, mainly because I never shut up about it. For example some of the schools say they haven't got training in Linux which is the OS we use and we'd take that up with the local Hub. Most are delighted with the hardware, software, price, and after-sales service. In particular the kids love Linux for some reason. One thing we do suffer from is over-congestion in the labs- even when the schools have enough computers. We may have to start training in how to manage the resource (ie. ensure the pcs are used throughout the day every day)
A definite shortfall is that if a school can't get electricity we can't help them as part of our main programme. It's something we're going to have to look into for particularly poor schools, and seek additional funding for. Even rural schools are generally able to get it- I think the prospect of getting the computers just acts as that extra push.
Camara's proposal is a really needed intervention. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) are often forgotten about when thinking about improving the education system. There tend to be projects that either focus on education or on people living with AIDS/OVCs. This project successfully combines education and PLWA/OVC. There is an ever-increasing number of PWLA/OVC in Uganda, and, if funded, this project could begin to serve an often forgotten population. Good luck, Camara!
Camara's proposal is a really needed intervention. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) are often forgotten about when thinking about improving the education system. There tend to be projects that either focus on education or on people living with AIDS/OVCs. This project successfully combines education and PLWA/OVC. There is an ever-increasing number of PWLA/OVC in Uganda, and, if funded, this project could begin to serve an often forgotten population. Good luck, Camara!
Camara's proposal is a really needed intervention. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) are often forgotten about when thinking about improving the education system. There tend to be projects that either focus on education or on people living with AIDS/OVCs. This project successfully combines education and PLWA/OVC. There is an ever-increasing number of PWLA/OVC in Uganda, and, if funded, this project could begin to serve an often forgotten population. Good luck, Camara!
Thanks Sarah, really appreciate it
This project is a great idea, particularly the training that takes place in Africa. Camara are working on the full life cycle of PCs- setup, maintenance and end of life. In addition promoting the use of PCs within an educational setting makes so much sense. Schools in the UK are littered with PCs and technology, Camara are working towards learners in Africa having similar access and the opportunities that follow subsequently.
Sounds like a great idea and good luck with it!
As someone who has recently traveled to Uganda, I have seen first hand the type of work and level of commitment that Camara is able to provide. During the course of my trip, I saw nothing but the best efforts put forth in every situation and there was always a strong emphasis on making sure the job was done correctly. It is my opinion that this would be a great oppurtunity to empower the youth of Africa to achieve more as well as to help others around them.
It's reassuring to see open source systems being used in your project, we've found them far more reliable and cost-effective, good to see some foresight in the development community. I wonder is there the potential with Camara's work for correspondence programs between US schools and connected schools in the developing world...
http://www.changemakers.com/en-us/node/20727
Howdy, I have an entry at the above link. I think my project would work really well with yours. I have yet to fund myself, but I am working on it. My idea is for an online general education curriculum. I am into alternate sources of energy, I built a wind turbine that could produce enough electricity to run a computer. In Africa, such a thing could be used with solar to power remote computer hubs, or provide certain buildings with enough juice to run some online classes.
No matter what, my education system is of no use without computers. Your orphanages would qualify as public places and recieve my curriculum at no cost whatsoever.
Check it out.
Wayne
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