The Technology Tent
- Communications
- Education
- Education reform
- Information & communication technology
- Girls' development
- Technology
- Youth leadership
Yes
Powering Potential
212-595-3549
PO Box 230913, New York, NY 10023
, NY
1‐5 years
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
, AR
Our idea is unique because we use green solar power, we install computers and we give the girls and boys and teachers technology training. All of the those elements are unique to schools in Tanzania especially rural Tanzania.
Prior to the founding director's first trip to Tanzania, she worked with a tutor to learn Swahili, which enabled her to develop lasting relationships with the Banjika school community through this demonstration of respect for their culture. This inspired a deep sense of appreciation for the technology teachings that Janice brings to the school. Many of the teachers and students had never seen a computer before Janice donated the first laptop in 2007. This introduction to technology blew open the doors to students’ and teachers’ imaginations and new “life” possibilities began to emerge. The school now has a network of six desktops, one server and a printer all powered by a solar energy system provided by Powering Potential. It is highly unusual for a public school in Tanzania to have a computer lab, especially in a rural area. The Technology Tent is a rare opportunity for the school community to receive quality technology education from experienced professionals. We intend to replicate this successful model in other secondary schools in Tanzania.
• 600+ students and teachers had their first exposure to a computer
• 200+ students received hands-on classroom instruction
• 138 students completed a concentrated training course acquiring extensive hands-on experience and fundamental technology knowledge
• 2 teachers are pursuing college degrees in technology: a B.S. in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Systems and Network Engineering
Here is what one Tanzanian teacher had to say about our results:
It is the truth which can not be hidden that, Technology Tent has been like a light to the Kids at Banjika. It makes the kids feel that, they are able to face the challeges which are being brought by science and technology. Before Janice came to our school, no one knew any thing about the Computer. They did not know even how it looked like. It is amazing that, now the kids are able to type some thing in the Computer and print with their own hands. These are great Changes.
The primary problem is students in Tanzania do not have access to modern tools and current information. The installation of solar-powered computer labs with training gives them these modern tools and the knowledge to use them. Another problem is employment and college readiness. Computer skills will increase the chance that a secondary school graduate will be able to get a job, and if a student is fortunate enough to pass the national exam and go on to college, computer skills will be a great advantage.
We have successfully completed our pilot program at one school and intend to work with the same vendors to ensure the successful replication at two other schools in Tanzania. Another step to ensure success is: the local communities make a contribution; they provide a secure room with tables and chairs for the solar equipment and computer lab. What might prevent that success? If the local community has not completed their contribution that could impede the success.
2010: replicate The Technology Tent at two more schools in Tanzania, impacting an additional 1,000 students and teachers; continue supporting technology education for 324 students; implement program to provide satellite Internet access for 575 students and teachers at one school; expand the solar energy system and computer network at one school
2011: The teachers and students who are training during The Technology Tent will teach other training sessions. We also intend to initiate a program to develop a technology workforce in Tanzania and the students who go through this training program will be our first candidates for getting more intensive technology training.
2012: As the technology workforce grows, we expect to use these students to install computer labs at schools and they will conduct the training sessions.
101‐1000
Less than $50
No
Approximately 150 words left (1200 characters).
Operating for 1‐5 years
Yes
Yes
No
No
Powering Potential has highly-qualified volunteers working to ensure it's success. The founding executive director attends conferences/meetings on development work in Africa and is developing partnerships with NGOs to bring solar-powered computer labs to school in Africa.
We are supported by a family foundation and contributions from family, friends, and new people we meet. We have a donor base of 160 people from 19 states. Our business plan/revenue model is fully explained in our current Action Plan for Powering Potential with includes a fiscal plan going forward, a budget for each program, and a historical statement of operations. We are using this Action Plan to seek funding from various sources through personal connections.
The ecstatic response I received from a classroom of students when I introduced myself in Swahili during a safari visit to a school in rural Tanzania.
Since 1987 Janice Lathen has had a computer consulting business in New York City specializing in training. Into a family of pioneers, Janice was born in Winner, South Dakota, raised in Minnesota, and moved to Manhattan with college degree in hand and a passionate desire to be a classical stage actress. She acted for Woody Allen, Robert Downey and Zoe Caldwell, and along the way modeled for Halston, Christian Dior, and Karl Lagerfeld.
Fulfilling a childhood dream to visit Africa and see animals living freely, especially to watch giraffes running across the Serengeti, Janice safaried to Tanzania in February of 2006. The animals drew Janice to Tanzania and the people draw her back. Their extraordinary warmth and gentleness, uplifting spirit, and deep sense of appreciation inspire her to action.
In high school Janice was very active in Junior Achievement, attending regional and national conferences, and represented her local chapter in the national Miss Junior Achievement contest. Janice was treasurer of the Minnesota state chapter of the National Honor Society and in that capacity represented Minnesota at a National Leadership Conference as a camper and a camp counselor.
As an adult Janice learned how to ride a horse and went on to earn nine blue ribbons at local horse shows. She also sailed with the Manhattan Yacht Club often crewing for sailboat races in the NY harbor and she has taken lessons in flying airplanes.
Friend or family member
Social norms, Economic or institutional constraints, Women’s lack of involvement in the technology development process.
Our pilot program was completed at a co-ed secondary school. It was a woman who brought computers to the school and consequently the girls at the school are intrigued by this example of a woman in technology. It inspires them to learn about technology and shatters the myth that technology is for males. When a student graduates from secondary school their computer skills will enhance their ability to get a job. If they go on to college the ability to use a computer will enhance their education.
Technology design, Technology introduction, Technology training, Technology supply and distribution, Assessment and evaluation.
The founding executive director of Powering Potential is a woman and she is involved in all aspects of this project....she takes a very hands-on approach.
The project focused on women from its conception..
Rural, Low income.
It is led by a woman/women., The core project team includes women..
Working with women, Working with technologies, Working to increase women's economic empowerment through technology, Working on innovation.