One of the biggest issues Camara faces in Africa is how to support very remote regions that require computer technology. Its a key issue because there is serious educational disadvantage in the rural areas (albeit there is probably more poverty in the cities - I acknowledge that this is a contentious point to make!) and obviously where there is educational disadvantage, computer technology can play a profoundly positive role to address this.
The main issue is not how to get computers to the remote regions, but more about how to support that region if something goes wrong, as well as providing on going training. There is nothing worse than going to all the logistical trouble of getting computers to a remote area only for them to break down because of no support mechanisms in the area capable of fixing or maintaining them properly. This is a truly bad outcome for everyone concerned.
Over the last couple of years a model has begun to emerge that might tackle this issue. We are running a pilot on Lamu island.
Last year we managed to secure a marvelous premises in an ideal location on the island. The hub in Mombasa equipped the Lamu premises with a maintenance centre, a refurbishment centre, an open source internet cafe and a training centre, essentially duplicating all its own key operations on a smaller scale.
The Lamu facility has spare parts (including a small stock of machines) and is run by two trained volunteers from the main Hub in Mombasa who have moved to Lamu permanently. They in turn have recruited a number of local volunteers to help them manage the operation.
The operation has required some capital injection from the Mombasa hub but has managed to cover its basic operational costs through Internet Cafe revenue and training courses revenue.
The Lamu hub supports 12 schools in the area. It provides ongoing maintenance and training to the schools as well as offering computer courses to local people wanting to further their education.
What remains to be done is to put in a fully functional community led governance structure that drives the initiative forward.
I am really impressed by what they have achieved in such a short space of time. It has the potential to be the way we support the rural regions as Camara grows in Africa. In Kenya alone over 150 schools now have Camara labs and de-centralising the support structure to a local level is going to be key for the project to scale. Its also great that key enabling resources for the Lamu hub to happen like community support (providing the premises) and expert volunteers (who have been trained in the main hub) are readily available. Obviously these volunteers take an allowance to support themselves and so are effectively now employed as technical trainers and technicians.
A win win for everyone in my mind.
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