---------------------------------------------------------------- Community Wireless Connectivity Training Workshop for East and Southern Africa Mtoni, Zanzibar, 21st - 25th March 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------
Dear colleague
You are invited to apply to participate in the following hands-on training workshop aimed at
* Developing the wireless networking skills of existing and aspiring network engineers and system administrators in network planning, design, and management * Building skills and knowledge for appropriate technology choices in setting up community wireless networks * Providing a platform for testing, developing and localizing wireless networking training materials * Promoting contact between users and developers of wireless technologies * Improving the capacity for community wireless networking in Africa * Planning the future development of this training project
The workshop is aimed at non-profit and public sector workers, as well as people from small businesses running community-style telecentre ventures. It is a priority of the workshop that participants should find opportunities for participating in the global wireless networking community, and for taking project ideas further in their communities.
The workshop will take place in Mtoni, Zanzibar, 21st - 25th March 2005.
BACKGROUND
Wireless technologies offer developing countries an important low cost, versatile alternative to wired infrastructure. They enable communities to extend the reach of cabled internet connectivity and to be in control of the planning, implementation and design of their own networks, making the network into a tool that really serves the needs of the community. Open wireless standards are not only bringing new technical opportunities at very low cost, but also bringing a decentralized internet model to an area which has been restricted to traditional telecommunication operators.
The Association for Progressive Communications is coordinating an initiative, supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Open Society Institute (OSI), to build capacity to implement wireless technologies for community networking in Africa. This workshop is one of a series to take place in Africa during 2005/2006.
HOW WILL YOU BENEFIT FROM PARTICIPATION?
By participating in the wireless training workshop you will:
* Explore the unique ways that wireless technologies can be applied to improve connectivity for development in Africa * Learn how to budget for, plan, equip, and set up a sustainable community wireless network * Learn how to manage and trouble-shoot the network * Learn about the relevance of the regulatory framework that operates in your region for community wireless networking
The workshop curriculum covers:
* Access Point Setup * Windows/Linux Client Setup * Site Survey * Basic Infrastructure and Topology * Standards & Regulations * Network Sustainability * Equipment Preparation * Equipment Shopping and Budgeting * Basic Physics * Antennas & Tower * Link Calculation * Network Security * Managing/Monitoring the Network * Troubleshooting
The workshop will also provide a space for developing training project ideas - including localizing the materials used at the workshop for different physical, cultural, linguistic, and regulatory environments.
WHO CAN APPLY
This workshop is aimed at:
* Networkers - technical staff * Telecentre managers * People with responsibility for ICTs planning and implementation * ICT project workers * More generally, aspiring community and wireless networkers
We are looking for participants who:
* Live and work in the regions of East or Southern Africa * Have hands-on involvement with networks and a need for *practical* skills in wireless networking * Are enthusiastic about the possibilities that wireless technologies offer * Are committed to improving access to information communication technologies by disadvantaged groups
We are particularly keen to include as many women as possible in the workshop.
Participants are not expected to have advanced technical skills, but should have at least a basic knowledge of computer networking.
Applicants with the following skills will be considered:
* At least basic knowledge of computer networks - i.e. TCP/IP skills * Good general computer skills * A working knowledge of internet applications * General arithmetic skills - confidence with addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, squares and square roots * Ideally, some basic knowledge of the telecom regulations and licensing contexts of their region
The workshop has space for 35 participants.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMODATION COSTS
The cost of travel, accommodation and meals will be covered for successful applicants.
HOW CAN YOU APPLY FOR THE WORKSHOP?
Applications should be submitted AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, but no later than 4 February 2005.
If you would like to apply, please send a plain text e-mail message, with no attachments, with subject line "Wireless Workshop", and the following information to Anna Feldman [EMAIL PROTECTED]:
* Your name and e-mail address * Your physical address and telephone number * Your organization's name * A description of your role within your organization and your networking-related responsibilities within the organization * A short description of your experience in implementing or contributing to the implementation of connectivity/electronic networking projects - how your skills and profile match those listed in this invitation * A brief indication of how you expect to apply the skills you gain during the workshop
Provided we receive your application by the deadline above, you will be told whether your application has been successful by 14 February 2005.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* The working language of the workshop will be English * The workshop will be led by community wireless networking experts
The trainers will be specified later.
This workshop is supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Open Society Institute (OSI).
Please feel free to contact me, or my colleague Alberto Escudero in Dar es Salaam (Tel: +255 745 8840 04, email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]), if you have questions about the workshop.
-------------------------------------------------- Anna Feldman [EMAIL PROTECTED] Workshop Coordinator Association for Progressive Communications http://www.apc.org/ --------------------------------------------------
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Ann Tothill
Strategic Use and Capacity Building Programme Manager
APC - The Association for Progressive Communications
La Asociaci�n para el Progreso de las Comunicaciones
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.apc.org/
Tel. +61 2 8920 0274
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