Hi Albert, I LOVE this project! Providing women with the technology and skills to share their voice with a broad audience is so important! Do you know of anyone else doing similar work? In addition to getting your footage on 24-hr news channels, have you considered aggregating footage to make documentaries for film festivals? Would love to watch your footage when it's available! Thanks for entering.
Hey Sarah, thanks a lot for your kind words and support. At least no one is doing this in Kenya so far.Conventional TV is what is there at community level. Our main barrier was time poverty, choice of multiple views and convenience. The Closest I have seen is someone hoping to do MP3 Audio for women to listen around Rwanda. The idea of film festivals would be great. Please check us out here too (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=71356959402) We are currently hosting the Grand Slumfest at regional level and hope to grow. Do not relent to spread more thoughts and ideas my way. Hope to hear from you.
Dear Albert:
There is a great energy and focus in your proposal to teach young women to become photo-journalists and then use what they produce to inspire thousands of women in need of better jobs or entrepreneur ideas to set up small business and to involve the major business sector to buy ads to support your ongoing costs as the project expands. I love what your organization has achieve thus far at your mass encounters, and I love this specific idea.
I have a couple of questions and suggestions, and hope you will let me know if they are helpful or not.
1. Something seems a bit contradictory about how the women who most need to see the content on these DVDs will be able to. You say most of them are very busy working, tendng their family or other domestic tasks and do not have personal access to computers. So, how will they have the time to go to the local intermediary organizations with the technology to see the DVDs if they are so busy already?
This is a question of effectively marketing the value of going to see the entire DVD to very stressed women. I'd suggest you think about, perhaps, editing each DVD into a 1-2 minute YOUTUBE-like video and then use it as an advertisement to go to the local site to see the whole thing -- and have it played on radio and tv (for free as a community service ad) to interest your target clients-- the millions who really need to see them.
2. You propose training 10 young women during the first year. Given the number of areas you want them to cover, and how much they'll have to learn themselves during this period, I'd suggest you start with 20. Some will drop out. Some will have difficulties. It always happens. So if you start with 10, maybe you'll end up with 6 -- far too few to produce enough content, to cover all the areas in need, and too few even to form a great support group among themselves. If you start with 20, maybe you end up with 15 or so. A better number to divide the various geographic areas to focus on (they should begin to map out the human assets in each and become knowledgeable themselves about good stories or leads to follow up on -- and if they're too dispersed, they'll not accomplish this in a year).
Also, with 20, you'll have more reliable data at the end of the year about what worked, or what needs rethinking. A smaller number may not show you trends you need to be aware of.
3. You propose to leave identifying the intermediary organizations who will show the DVDs until Year 2. That's because you want to develop your stock of shows first.
But I think you actually should be attracting these partners during Year 1. Here's why: by involving them at the start, they'll be able to watch the young women evolve and will become more motivated to help with the outreach in Year 2 because they've been through the hopes, challenges and results produced in year 1. ALso, they may be well in touch with local issues, leaders, assets in their communities and may help the young women to make good contacts, identify stories or leads that are really of interest to that specific community by collaborating with the people who work daily in those institutions.
I'm not suggesting you start any programs with them in Year 1,simply identify them, ask them to join with you, keep them involved in your training and in the women's work as they proceed, invite them to some initial screenings and ask for teir reactions and suggestions, etc. It will make them more active partners in Year 2 and beyond when you really need them.
4 Finally can you say a bit more about the danger you mentioned of not securing rights to content and perhaps endangering some business' intellectual property unintentially by broadcasting it? And also, do you plan to build or link the women who will want to start their own businesses as a result of your DVDs to any form of technical assistance, business planning and management training appropriate to their education level and local needs? In my experience, by so doing, you will multiply the overall effectiveness of your effotts by reducing the number of good ideas that don't work out as businesses -- but could with mentors, information and training.
Hope you know that these questions or comments are given with great respect for the work you've already done and the terrific potential I see in your proposal. Look forward to any comments and questions from you!
I appreciate very much for your ideas and input.Kindly find my rejoinder and clarification and will get back on No. 4. Each was received very positively and ammendments executed.
Question 1. I like the idea of brevity and conciseness, however our focus is local television shows business related programs at very specific times and women might not be available then. Our DVD version then leverages on the power to control business content women watch, where, when and with whom at your own free time over and over. Issue of scheduled programming is taken care off as they can do this comfortably during their weekly gatherings and not necessarily on computers but video players and smaller television sets with a total cost of $ 120 affordable for even the poorest communities and has no hi tech user instructions. 10 women can each contribute $ 12 to acquire the devices or have a church or community centre play safe custody for such. The youtube option will limit many as internet use is still a farfetched idea to many who do not even have an email. However the radio ads are an added value. Thanks.
Question 2: On training, 10 was an initial number for a launch process within a smaller target area on pilot basis. With growth and wide area coverage, each of the 10 will have graduated to train own team to apply a multiplier effect during specific time scales and periods. Network systems of management and reporting will be most effective and the initial team as human assets would not need to traverse huge geographical zonings. Drops outs though are an expectation and clear mechanisms will be put in place to cover this, including sourcing funds to train and retain more. Good incentives for work will also form a motivation as they work and gain. A feedback system is being developed to capitalize on reports and evaluation done by the field data officers who accompany reporters. A follow up process is also part of the plan.
Question 3: Thanks for this note too, I guess it’s a wording omission, stakeholders and partners are forming part of the process from day 1. Year 2 will simply map out a wider zone and is meant to spread word and replicate idea to other geographical areas. I am editing that to create a more precise meaning. I agree if they grow with the process, they advice, internalize and create synergy relevant and crucial for our growth and sustenance.
She can do this by being empowered and motivated by fellow women as far as they would want to reach a common goal. Nice and great stuff right here debbie.Am impressed!
Hey Trisha, we at Slumcode couldn't be more grateful. Please note that by you reading this idea already is a move to reckon with. We are on process to do a formal launch and kiss goodbye a many under served women in our low income communities. Please join us here (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=71356959402) to follow and track on progress. Invite like minded women too to share in this success story.
Dear Albert Nashon,
Here I am commenting about a project in Kenya again. Somehow I came to love this country.
Anyway, I like very much your project. Giving access to information or, in this case, creating this information and sharing it among Kenyans and the world seems amazing.
Here are some of my comments on your entry:
1. As the other comment already mentioned, I would love to watch some of the current videos. Youtube is a powerful tool for that;
2. Are you associated with http://slum-tv.org?
3. It is clear for me how your organization will receive funding from the partners and sponsors. I was wondering how the women will receive a share of that? Could they aspire to have this as their full time jobs? From the entry is clear how they will benefit from receiving more information and even creating it. But how will they be compensated? How can they spend time doing this and not worry about having a family, a house or other responsibilities?
4. What could be a potential long-term partner for your organization? I understand that you have some partners for some of the events but I believe a long-term partner could add a lot as well as your organization. Maybe a 'hollywood' type studio, or a western TV Station etc.
5. Are DVDs the best media to share this content? I understand internet access is not that great but can mobile be an alternative? I don't have the answer but DVDs doesn't sound to be the best one and, if it is, I would like to see a better explanation of it on the entry. You know, just to make sure...
Hope this helps.
Please let me know if I can help you with anything else.
Best,
Mauricio
I very much welcome your superb thoughts and concerns. These keep improving my innovation and have adjusted some areas of the text accordingly.
Q1. We are working on uploading some of our preliminary works here – Youtube would suffice.
Q2. Our innovation is steering clear of conventional TV programming which is a mix of every community based activity and occurrence to focus on business, we are not associated with http://slum-tv.org but will venture into 24hr business channel with success of Slum-midia project.
Q3. About finances and compensation for women, we are first of all hiring and training which is a direct benefit and staff will multiply with scope and reach of innovation to different regions. Secondly, while we can’t compensate respondents and business participants, our program will aim to put a funding scheme in the next phases and directly participate in promoting great ideas with limited seed capital and finally the sponsors will not only advertise but extend financial input and services as part of their ongoing micro financing schemes which is a positive gain for program participants.Most of our acquired and saved funds will go towards infrastructure development.
Q4. Identifying and engaging potential long-term partners for our organization has been the greatest challenge, but with more exposure to program growth and development we hope to find interested stakeholders? This could add a lot of value as well as boost our organization. Kindly make reference to us of any you might have in mind.
Q5. DVDs come tops as the best media to share this content, first based on the design of video, which will have an introduction by presenter, a 5 min commercial, four group presentations, a 5 min commercial, another four group presentations, a final 5min commercial and some 5 min entertainment interlude(music, dance, rib cracking). And the ownership allows for group and individual views at any convenient timings without strain of particular strict schedule, mobiles would not suffice as we are encouraging team spirit and dynamics, video improves memory and easy to relate with visual content, we may incorporate a broadcast system via mobile just to send occasional news alerts on relevant upcoming events, summits or tit bits. A better explanation will be edited and entered thanks to your concerns.
Great help from your concerns, we will keep engaging.
Albert
I wish to take this opportunity to thank all who have taken their precious minute to go through this simple but impacting concept. Our communities yearn for change and who will make this happen if not us.
I have taken it as a person to lay my life and be a foundation. I am glad you have joined me in this. I will keep saying thank you to all who have helped refine and define the content of this idea.
B. Yasmin for the nomination, Mauricio Sartori and Sarah Mintz for the input and you my reader.
Am impressed by our readers, we are here to bring change to my fellow women. It is not easy but it calls you and me to join hands in making a difference. We at slumcode are working hard to uplift the life of a woman in the low income communities through this innovation. We appreciate your comments and critical suggestions in helping us build the life of a woman. Thanks
About Her:
Facebook(http://www.facebook.com/debbie.oyugi?ref=nf)
I am a simple, down to earth girl with very big dreams. I am tenacious and very ambitious. I love God, my family n friends. I believe friendship has splendors that love knows not! I try and establish a rapport with nearly everyone and make friends easily. I love my life the way it is and if I was to live it over again, I would change nothing. I adore kids.
Debbie is the Slum-midia goodwill ambassador and will play a huge role in motivating, inspiring and directing the women and girls to benefit from this innovation.
Let’s make it count! A win for us in a win for this country's vulnerable girls and women
In my belief and commitment as a community developer and environmentalist, the alleviation of community livelihoods and improvement of slum life through innovations and creativity for all-round sustainable development, and the giving of a chance to women to prosper (empowerment and capacity building), is very noble and vital. Educating and developing of women talents and that of the marginalized is crucial in this era of rampant globalization, climate change and resource distribution and allocation disparities. Hence, with such an idea, I hope livelihood conditions, climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, community development and respect for human rights is going to be harnessed a notch higher. Kudos for the move!
Bidii like the great name suggests, we at Slumcode couldn't be more grateful. Kindly remember that the step you took in reading this idea already is a move to reckon with. We are on process to do a formal launch and kiss goodbye a many under served women in our low income communities. Please join us here (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=71356959402) and keep track with our progress. Invite women too, whom you think will share in this success story.
To you all who are reading this idea, your suggestions are much welcome. Please make an effort to visit our webpage - http://www.legaragedunet.fr/slumcode/, facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=71356959402 and let us know what you think. Remember for us its not about how scientific and complicated an idea is but how much impact the common idea can pose to an ailing community full of below age community sex workers, single mothers and school drop outs.
This is our biggest motivation to peri urban and low income community women.
We are making plans to officially launch this program during either our annual Grand Slumfest IV event of August 14th 2010 or at the International Stand UP Against Poverty Campaign of September 2010.
Comments
Hi Albert, I LOVE this project! Providing women with the technology and skills to share their voice with a broad audience is so important! Do you know of anyone else doing similar work? In addition to getting your footage on 24-hr news channels, have you considered aggregating footage to make documentaries for film festivals? Would love to watch your footage when it's available! Thanks for entering.
Hey Sarah, thanks a lot for your kind words and support. At least no one is doing this in Kenya so far.Conventional TV is what is there at community level. Our main barrier was time poverty, choice of multiple views and convenience. The Closest I have seen is someone hoping to do MP3 Audio for women to listen around Rwanda. The idea of film festivals would be great. Please check us out here too (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=71356959402) We are currently hosting the Grand Slumfest at regional level and hope to grow. Do not relent to spread more thoughts and ideas my way. Hope to hear from you.
Dear Albert:
There is a great energy and focus in your proposal to teach young women to become photo-journalists and then use what they produce to inspire thousands of women in need of better jobs or entrepreneur ideas to set up small business and to involve the major business sector to buy ads to support your ongoing costs as the project expands. I love what your organization has achieve thus far at your mass encounters, and I love this specific idea.
I have a couple of questions and suggestions, and hope you will let me know if they are helpful or not.
1. Something seems a bit contradictory about how the women who most need to see the content on these DVDs will be able to. You say most of them are very busy working, tendng their family or other domestic tasks and do not have personal access to computers. So, how will they have the time to go to the local intermediary organizations with the technology to see the DVDs if they are so busy already?
This is a question of effectively marketing the value of going to see the entire DVD to very stressed women. I'd suggest you think about, perhaps, editing each DVD into a 1-2 minute YOUTUBE-like video and then use it as an advertisement to go to the local site to see the whole thing -- and have it played on radio and tv (for free as a community service ad) to interest your target clients-- the millions who really need to see them.
2. You propose training 10 young women during the first year. Given the number of areas you want them to cover, and how much they'll have to learn themselves during this period, I'd suggest you start with 20. Some will drop out. Some will have difficulties. It always happens. So if you start with 10, maybe you'll end up with 6 -- far too few to produce enough content, to cover all the areas in need, and too few even to form a great support group among themselves. If you start with 20, maybe you end up with 15 or so. A better number to divide the various geographic areas to focus on (they should begin to map out the human assets in each and become knowledgeable themselves about good stories or leads to follow up on -- and if they're too dispersed, they'll not accomplish this in a year).
Also, with 20, you'll have more reliable data at the end of the year about what worked, or what needs rethinking. A smaller number may not show you trends you need to be aware of.
3. You propose to leave identifying the intermediary organizations who will show the DVDs until Year 2. That's because you want to develop your stock of shows first.
But I think you actually should be attracting these partners during Year 1. Here's why: by involving them at the start, they'll be able to watch the young women evolve and will become more motivated to help with the outreach in Year 2 because they've been through the hopes, challenges and results produced in year 1. ALso, they may be well in touch with local issues, leaders, assets in their communities and may help the young women to make good contacts, identify stories or leads that are really of interest to that specific community by collaborating with the people who work daily in those institutions.
I'm not suggesting you start any programs with them in Year 1,simply identify them, ask them to join with you, keep them involved in your training and in the women's work as they proceed, invite them to some initial screenings and ask for teir reactions and suggestions, etc. It will make them more active partners in Year 2 and beyond when you really need them.
4 Finally can you say a bit more about the danger you mentioned of not securing rights to content and perhaps endangering some business' intellectual property unintentially by broadcasting it? And also, do you plan to build or link the women who will want to start their own businesses as a result of your DVDs to any form of technical assistance, business planning and management training appropriate to their education level and local needs? In my experience, by so doing, you will multiply the overall effectiveness of your effotts by reducing the number of good ideas that don't work out as businesses -- but could with mentors, information and training.
Hope you know that these questions or comments are given with great respect for the work you've already done and the terrific potential I see in your proposal. Look forward to any comments and questions from you!
I appreciate very much for your ideas and input.Kindly find my rejoinder and clarification and will get back on No. 4. Each was received very positively and ammendments executed.
Question 1. I like the idea of brevity and conciseness, however our focus is local television shows business related programs at very specific times and women might not be available then. Our DVD version then leverages on the power to control business content women watch, where, when and with whom at your own free time over and over. Issue of scheduled programming is taken care off as they can do this comfortably during their weekly gatherings and not necessarily on computers but video players and smaller television sets with a total cost of $ 120 affordable for even the poorest communities and has no hi tech user instructions. 10 women can each contribute $ 12 to acquire the devices or have a church or community centre play safe custody for such. The youtube option will limit many as internet use is still a farfetched idea to many who do not even have an email. However the radio ads are an added value. Thanks.
Question 2: On training, 10 was an initial number for a launch process within a smaller target area on pilot basis. With growth and wide area coverage, each of the 10 will have graduated to train own team to apply a multiplier effect during specific time scales and periods. Network systems of management and reporting will be most effective and the initial team as human assets would not need to traverse huge geographical zonings. Drops outs though are an expectation and clear mechanisms will be put in place to cover this, including sourcing funds to train and retain more. Good incentives for work will also form a motivation as they work and gain. A feedback system is being developed to capitalize on reports and evaluation done by the field data officers who accompany reporters. A follow up process is also part of the plan.
Question 3: Thanks for this note too, I guess it’s a wording omission, stakeholders and partners are forming part of the process from day 1. Year 2 will simply map out a wider zone and is meant to spread word and replicate idea to other geographical areas. I am editing that to create a more precise meaning. I agree if they grow with the process, they advice, internalize and create synergy relevant and crucial for our growth and sustenance.
they say give power to the woman and the whole nation is empowered. Great work
She can do this by being empowered and motivated by fellow women as far as they would want to reach a common goal. Nice and great stuff right here debbie.Am impressed!
Hey Trisha, we at Slumcode couldn't be more grateful. Please note that by you reading this idea already is a move to reckon with. We are on process to do a formal launch and kiss goodbye a many under served women in our low income communities. Please join us here (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=71356959402) to follow and track on progress. Invite like minded women too to share in this success story.
SLUMCODE GROUP.
You gave hope to many, you moved a mountain in many people's path and you still shine for the path to always be clear for others.
We appreciate you in one peace.
Regards.
Dear Albert Nashon,
Here I am commenting about a project in Kenya again. Somehow I came to love this country.
Anyway, I like very much your project. Giving access to information or, in this case, creating this information and sharing it among Kenyans and the world seems amazing.
Here are some of my comments on your entry:
1. As the other comment already mentioned, I would love to watch some of the current videos. Youtube is a powerful tool for that;
2. Are you associated with http://slum-tv.org?
3. It is clear for me how your organization will receive funding from the partners and sponsors. I was wondering how the women will receive a share of that? Could they aspire to have this as their full time jobs? From the entry is clear how they will benefit from receiving more information and even creating it. But how will they be compensated? How can they spend time doing this and not worry about having a family, a house or other responsibilities?
4. What could be a potential long-term partner for your organization? I understand that you have some partners for some of the events but I believe a long-term partner could add a lot as well as your organization. Maybe a 'hollywood' type studio, or a western TV Station etc.
5. Are DVDs the best media to share this content? I understand internet access is not that great but can mobile be an alternative? I don't have the answer but DVDs doesn't sound to be the best one and, if it is, I would like to see a better explanation of it on the entry. You know, just to make sure...
Hope this helps.
Please let me know if I can help you with anything else.
Best,
Mauricio
I very much welcome your superb thoughts and concerns. These keep improving my innovation and have adjusted some areas of the text accordingly.
Q1. We are working on uploading some of our preliminary works here – Youtube would suffice.
Q2. Our innovation is steering clear of conventional TV programming which is a mix of every community based activity and occurrence to focus on business, we are not associated with http://slum-tv.org but will venture into 24hr business channel with success of Slum-midia project.
Q3. About finances and compensation for women, we are first of all hiring and training which is a direct benefit and staff will multiply with scope and reach of innovation to different regions. Secondly, while we can’t compensate respondents and business participants, our program will aim to put a funding scheme in the next phases and directly participate in promoting great ideas with limited seed capital and finally the sponsors will not only advertise but extend financial input and services as part of their ongoing micro financing schemes which is a positive gain for program participants.Most of our acquired and saved funds will go towards infrastructure development.
Q4. Identifying and engaging potential long-term partners for our organization has been the greatest challenge, but with more exposure to program growth and development we hope to find interested stakeholders? This could add a lot of value as well as boost our organization. Kindly make reference to us of any you might have in mind.
Q5. DVDs come tops as the best media to share this content, first based on the design of video, which will have an introduction by presenter, a 5 min commercial, four group presentations, a 5 min commercial, another four group presentations, a final 5min commercial and some 5 min entertainment interlude(music, dance, rib cracking). And the ownership allows for group and individual views at any convenient timings without strain of particular strict schedule, mobiles would not suffice as we are encouraging team spirit and dynamics, video improves memory and easy to relate with visual content, we may incorporate a broadcast system via mobile just to send occasional news alerts on relevant upcoming events, summits or tit bits. A better explanation will be edited and entered thanks to your concerns.
Great help from your concerns, we will keep engaging.
Albert
I wish to take this opportunity to thank all who have taken their precious minute to go through this simple but impacting concept. Our communities yearn for change and who will make this happen if not us.
I have taken it as a person to lay my life and be a foundation. I am glad you have joined me in this. I will keep saying thank you to all who have helped refine and define the content of this idea.
B. Yasmin for the nomination, Mauricio Sartori and Sarah Mintz for the input and you my reader.
Its our World, if I change it changes. Other related work of my organization are found here:
- http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=71356959402
- http://www.legaragedunet.fr/slumcode/
Thanks again.
Regards
Am impressed by our readers, we are here to bring change to my fellow women. It is not easy but it calls you and me to join hands in making a difference. We at slumcode are working hard to uplift the life of a woman in the low income communities through this innovation. We appreciate your comments and critical suggestions in helping us build the life of a woman. Thanks
About Her:
Facebook(http://www.facebook.com/debbie.oyugi?ref=nf)
I am a simple, down to earth girl with very big dreams. I am tenacious and very ambitious. I love God, my family n friends. I believe friendship has splendors that love knows not! I try and establish a rapport with nearly everyone and make friends easily. I love my life the way it is and if I was to live it over again, I would change nothing. I adore kids.
Debbie is the Slum-midia goodwill ambassador and will play a huge role in motivating, inspiring and directing the women and girls to benefit from this innovation.
Let’s make it count! A win for us in a win for this country's vulnerable girls and women
In my belief and commitment as a community developer and environmentalist, the alleviation of community livelihoods and improvement of slum life through innovations and creativity for all-round sustainable development, and the giving of a chance to women to prosper (empowerment and capacity building), is very noble and vital. Educating and developing of women talents and that of the marginalized is crucial in this era of rampant globalization, climate change and resource distribution and allocation disparities. Hence, with such an idea, I hope livelihood conditions, climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, community development and respect for human rights is going to be harnessed a notch higher. Kudos for the move!
Bidii like the great name suggests, we at Slumcode couldn't be more grateful. Kindly remember that the step you took in reading this idea already is a move to reckon with. We are on process to do a formal launch and kiss goodbye a many under served women in our low income communities. Please join us here (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=71356959402) and keep track with our progress. Invite women too, whom you think will share in this success story.
Once again thank you for the follow up.
SLUMCODE TEAM
To you all who are reading this idea, your suggestions are much welcome. Please make an effort to visit our webpage - http://www.legaragedunet.fr/slumcode/, facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=71356959402 and let us know what you think. Remember for us its not about how scientific and complicated an idea is but how much impact the common idea can pose to an ailing community full of below age community sex workers, single mothers and school drop outs.
This is our biggest motivation to peri urban and low income community women.
We are making plans to officially launch this program during either our annual Grand Slumfest IV event of August 14th 2010 or at the International Stand UP Against Poverty Campaign of September 2010.
Your support is welcome.
We'd love to hear from you all.
REGARDS
SLUMCODE TEAM.