Re: [GKD] RFI: Computer Donations To The Third World
Greetings to all. I thank both Peter Burgess and Guido Sohne for starting an important debate on development. Is development about replicating success and ensuring scarce resources are used wisely.? Yes, this is happening in communities where there is no intervention from the government or the donors. In the experience of the Management Institute for Social Change (MINSOC), people under such circumstances if motivated and capacity built in leadership and management are able to learn from others and use their resources optimally. This is the reason why some NGOs have to a large extend been more successful than both the governments and donors, that is before they themselves got trapped as service providers to donors and governments. Not many studies have been done of such anonymous development initiatives. Those done are often those of show pieces undertaken through donor funds call success cases. Replication in most cases is not feasible without the element of donor funding - which is the critical element that is coveneitntly forgotten in the replication phase. So often replication becomes a failure and valuable resources are squandered and the poor are brought up the garden path just to be left stranded. This reinforces Guido Sohne's view. In most ODA funded projects the personnel and expert costs are often as high as 70% leaving only a paltry sum for the beneficieries. Also it is important to note Sohne's other point - those who are assigned to work in developing countries or those who are interested all too often are the less abled of the developed world. The real geniuses go into cancer research and stuff like that and leave the developed world wide open to those less abled. So the consultants are not even smart enough in the first place and right from square one, the resources are squandered. The ODA community of the North seldom uses the services of the consultants from the South, even though they may have better qualification and greater ground experience. But in many cases such local experts are hired as national or local consultants at one-tenth the pay and cost with the international consultants. In most cases the local consultants provide critical advice as well as end up doing more work than international consultants. Ultimately the beneficieries of ODA is not the South but the North. This equation most likely will not change - unless the South realises that development assistances is not a trickle down but a suck up theory to open up the economy of the South for the exploitation of the North. ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/
Re: [GKD] RFI: Computer Donations To The Third World
In a message dated 6/25/2003, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Does anyone know if there are computer donation programmes that go beyond one-off donations? What if after a while people using donated computers need upgrading and/or replacement? Who takes responsibility for meeting with the created (long term) expectations of using computers? I like your question. One of the prevailing problems with development is that all the official development assistance (ODA) community loves to announce that they have started a program to address some currently popular problem, but they rarely do enough of anything to make much of a success possible. Development should be about replicating success and ensuring that the scarce resources are used most wisely to achieve the greatest results. But that rarely happens. There is little knowledge used in the management of development and the allocation of scarce resources. Instead scarce resources are squandered over and over again starting things over instead of optimising what one might call a continuum of development activities. This is not a question of capacity in the SOUTH, or of corruption in the SOUTH. This is a creation of the ODA community and the NORTH. It optimises (maximises) the use of consultants from the NORTH while reducing the resources available to the SOUTH. But the SOUTH also has to figure out how to get what it needs without being totally dependent on gifts from the NORTH. The SOUTH should be able to make the case for getting help because it is doing great things with the resource help, and is making measurable progress. With the information easily available, it is not at all clear that gifts are doing as much good as they could ... and it should be clear . not necessarily before the gifts are given, but certainly afterwards. In too many cases in my experience, computers were set up, computer training took place, but the graduates of the computer training did not have any jobs to go to. Yet the value of computers and trained computer operators in the right business situation could be enormous .. which brings me back to two recurring themes .. the need for better understanding of the development process and the need for jobs. Sincerely Peter Burgess Peter Burgess ATCnet in New York Tel: 212 772 6918 Fax: 707 371 7805 [EMAIL PROTECTED] for secure messages ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/
Re: [GKD] RFI: Computer Donations To The Third World
Udit Chaudhuri [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Perhaps the only way this would work is to: 1 Collect computers used and donated in the command area itself, say executives and offices of international companies and other organisations who have imported the computers 3-4 years ago and are upgrading their systems - incentivising (in token) or acknowledging their donation; This all depends on the level of development and/or economic crisis in a country. At APC, we have been covering the efforts of one of our members based in Argentina to equip local telecentres. They had originally planned to do it this way - contacting businesses locally - but because of the economic crisis it has been impossible. I'm assuming that this would be the situation for most of the less developed countries in the world. Now, fortunately, they have been put in contact with Computer Aid. We'll continue to cover this story on the APC site. You can read more below. Getting hold of computers for community telecentres in crisis-stricken Argentina is a serious challenge ROSARIO, Argentina, 06/07/2002 -- In the middle of one of the most serious crises ever faced by Argentina it's not easy for APC member, TAU to continue their dream of setting up self sustaining community computer centres in poor neighbourhoods. Based in one of the worst hit cities, former industrial heartland, Rosario, TAU is struggling to operate in a country where spine-chilling statistics point to 15 million people living below the poverty line out of a total population of 37 million, 60% of all children living in poverty and 25% of children are from families where even basic food needs are not met. Nevertheless, TAU is moving ahead with the implementation of three Community Computer Centres (or telecentres) in two marginal neighbourhoods within the city of Rosario and Capitan Bermudez, a town fifteen kilometers outside. - APCNews http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=5050 Building Computer and Internet Skills in Argentina Remains a Challenge but Demand Grows ROSARIO, Argentina, 05/30/2003 -- APC member TAU, based in Argentina's second city Rosario, has started meeting with organisations which are interested in setting up community telecentres in their neighbourhood. It looks like we'll be developing six new telecentres which will make nine in total set up in Rosario and hinterland since last year, said Luis Martinez, one of TAU's coordinators. Getting hold of donated computers and other hardware is still a major headache in a country that has suffered such an economic crisis that most businesses are just not replacing their old machines as they did previously. It's also proving really difficult getting even a basic dial-up Internet connection in certain areas of the city, said Luis. - APCNews http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=12181 Best wishes Karen Higgs APC ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/
Re: [GKD] RFI: Computer Donations To The Third World
To all who donate computers to developing countries (or local intermediaries who solicit donations): Have you ever considered simply sending the cash instead, with the final recipient (not the local intermediary) deciding how to spend the cash themselves? If the computers are already zero value (they are trash in your society; you are in fact ready to spend money to dispose of them), then why not send the cash equivalent of the shipping and handling costs, taxes, etc. Perhaps the recipient (again, not the local intermediary) will spend it to build a new well, or buy musical instruments for the village (read the book on Gaviotas), or on something else they see as more important than computers. Computer donations build future markets for hardware, software, connectivity and consultancy. The initial flow of free hardware, software, connectivity and consultancy later generates orders for hardware, software, connectivity and consultancy which are not free anymore. These donations build markets for the rich countries, not the poor; markets for suppliers of hardware, software, connectivity and consultancy. Then, as these markets expand, they create a whole new population of creditcard-bearing Internet-connected consumers in the Third World who are ready to order more goods from the US or Europe. Roberto Verzola Philippines ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/
Re: [GKD] RFI: Computer Donations To The Third World
Here in Nunavut, Canada we take donated computers and the young folks in our high schools are shown how to check and recondition them and then they are distributed to the schools or the Internet Access points in the communities... George Lessard, Media Specialist [EMAIL PROTECTED] Moderates the Haa Ai E-mail List Archive of Teacher / Student Resources http://groups.yahoo.com/group/haa-ai Department of Education Government of Nunavut Curriculum School Services P.O. Box 390 Arviat, Nunavut, Canada X0C 0E0 Vox (867) 857-3066 Fax (867) 857-3090 N 61.05'39 W 94.04'15 Please note that the Government of Nunavut monitors e-mails sent or received. Further communication will signify your consent to this. ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/
Re: [GKD] RFI: Computer Donations To The Third World
At 9:46 PM +0100 25/06/2003, Tony Roberts wrote: What we need to do is make an appropriate distinction between dumping and providing quality, fully refurbished, Pentium PCs into contexts where the appropriate capacity is already in place to make productive use of them. This means that secure and adapted premises, experienced staff and access to free or affordable technical support is in place. A couple of posts here also suggesting that one via media is to do a workaround with the computers sent to small businesses who will then integrate their usage locally. Donee schools can also do this, farming out the computers to local businesses with the proviso that the machines be available to the school during specified times (school hours, study periods) and be used for whatever else (cybercafes, printshops, entertainment centers) the rest of the time. The problem with this is the fact that the donee schools are often run by absentee trustees, who do not care often enough to see the big picture. Whether they are private or public (ie commercial or government run schools) finally the responsibility for imparting education must be that of the local administration (teachers and principal). Also not much point if the donor organisations make (well-meaning, but well!) demands about end-usage that prevent the computers from being used at all! -- Vickram ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/
Re: [GKD] RFI: Computer Donations To The Third World
Simon Woodside wrote: What about importing to small businesses instead? instead of donating the computers, provide them at cost to small business owners who can resell them and provide support services? Hi All, We are a small Social Enterprise working mainly for Income generation using innovative technologies and new ways. I visited worldcomputerexchange.org website and found they have nicely put all relevant documents for easy comprehensive understanding of their procedures. I have my comments as following; From Awareness and Income generation point of view: I feel donating 1 to 4 computers (included in a package deal) to any budding entrepreneur can serve the purpose equally well than only serving to schools. All the schools with donated computers will pass on expenditures on the parents, which is not good. Why put extra burden on already poor parents in form of computer fees? One can start a small computer pub in the locality and show others what a computer can do to their day-to-day life and earn a livelihood for the family doing typing, designing, databases and internet. * Sustainability of project comes automatically. * Infrastructure expenses are reduced to minimum. * Security of the systems is solved. * Progress can be easily monitored. * In friendly neighborhood environment, computer accessibility opportunities for the kids. Especially the Ladies/ girls (who are generally deprived of computer handling, due to social reasons) will be more comfortable to learn, earn and discuss with any friendly lady entrepreneur. One would need to follow flexible approach for every different country and be guided by local people, who understand local problems better. I am not for writing a essay here...and leave you to decide and explore this line of action too. Timothy Anderson are you ready for this? Let me know for further help. Sandeep Saxena SECRETARY SOCIETY FOR THE UNDERPRIVILEGED (SUN) India Site: http://globalers.com ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/
Re: [GKD] RFI: Computer Donations To The Third World
Does anyone know if there are computer donation programmes that go beyond one-off donations? What if after a while people using donated computers need upgrading and/or replacement? Who takes responsibility for meeting with the created (long term) expectations of using computers? Maartje Op de Coul ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/
Re: [GKD] RFI: Computer Donations To The Third World
What about importing to small businesses instead? instead of donating the computers, provide them at cost to small business owners who can resell them and provide support services? simon On Monday, June 23, 2003, at 12:29 AM, Raju Dev Acharya wrote: I totally agree with Guido Sohne. In Nepal I can buy a new PIII for US$300. Also importing PC for distribution into the country takes a lot of time and effort due to the never ending red tape and can take months. This increases the cost of the PC if the cost incurred in the host country is added to the total cost of the donor. Guido Sohne [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I was in a thread elsewhere that discussed this same issue and I also thought that shipping used PCs makes perfect sense. The problem is the actual cost of the used PCs when other overheads are taken into account. ..snip... -- www.simonwoodside.com -- 99% Devil, 1% Angel ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/
Re: [GKD] RFI: Computer Donations To The Third World
I totally agree with Guido Sohne. In Nepal I can buy a new PIII for US$300. Also importing PC for distribution into the country takes a lot of time and effort due to the never ending red tape and can take months. This increases the cost of the PC if the cost incurred in the host country is added to the total cost of the donor. Guido Sohne [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I was in a thread elsewhere that discussed this same issue and I also thought that shipping used PCs makes perfect sense. The problem is the actual cost of the used PCs when other overheads are taken into account. ..snip... ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/
Re: [GKD] RFI: Computer Donations To The Third World
I write to correct some errors in the discussion related to our current costs. www.WorldComputerExchange.org sources and tests donated computers for partners in developing countries. Based on the current amount of computers we ship, the share of costs we must receive per donated Pentium is US$57.50 ($40 for Power Macs). Our per-computer costs will decrease as we continue to grow to scale. The e-deal blue book value of the average working computer that we ship is about US$300 so we report on our website that they are worth that. We find that our current average shipping cost to an ocean container port in Africa is about US$12 per computer - less to South Asia and South America. Of our first 21 shipments, only one has had to pay customs - the rest have been able to get waivers of the duty because of their educational and charitable goal or with the assistance of their government or of the UNDP. There are many other costs for tech support, teacher training, and content that we and our allies work to help reduce for our partners in developing countries. Best wishes, Timothy Anderson www.WorldComputerExchange.org Guido Sohne [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I was in a thread elsewhere that discussed this same issue and I also thought that shipping used PCs makes perfect sense. The problem is the actual cost of the used PCs when other overheads are taken into account. Appended is an excerpt from an email I wrote concerning this:- I've done a little research to put this issue in perspective ... The website of the World Computer Exchange claims that: WCE has shipped 6,434 computers in 21 shipments worth $1,931,200 to connect 784 schools with 306,200 students in the following 15 countries: Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Cameroon, Georgia, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Lithuania, Malawi, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. I pulled out a calculator and assessed the above figures. It works out to about $300 per PC. 21 shipments implies that there are 306 PCs per shipment. Seperately, it was mentioned that it costs $20,000 per container to ship the PCs over which works out to $65 per PC. With those figures, it appears that shipping Walmart PCs at a cost of $65/PC (assuming it costs the same to ship them as the used PCs) on top of the *retail* price of $199 is still below the cost of shipping the used PCs. ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/
Re: [GKD] RFI: Computer Donations To The Third World
I've been following with interest the discussion about sending computers to the Third World. The rationale is clear: * many countries are desperate for computing power, for schools, training, productivity, but cannot afford the latest hardware and software * literally millions of computers are being trashed in rich economies, that still have years of life in them. As Daniel Makundi has said, Windows 95 plus Star/OpenOffice can run fine if slowly on anything faster than a 486 machine. * So the obsolete hardware of richer countries could, with care and planning, be well used in the Third World. It may cost more financially, to recondition and fit-out used computers than to buy new ones (at least in the US), but it would certainly cost less if environmental and social costs and benefits were factored in. So you have a potentially valuable asset available to marginal, disadvantaged groups or economies. The problem is, with computers as with any donated equipment, that we well-meaning donors think we are doing such a great thing to send hardware - any hardware - without looking at local needs, compatibility issues, and local capacities for maintenance in recipient countries. If we were to do a good survey (physical or virtual) of the needs and the capacities country by country, then work on all the exported machines to make sure that they were compatible with those needs/capacities, then we might be getting somewhere. Even better, establish relationships with local groups. The success stories mentioned in other postings - Swaziland's Computer Education Trust, and the Goa Computers project - have clearly involved longer-term capacity-building together with equipment donation: but I know from experience, that for each of these success stories there might be 10, 50, 100 failures. And yes, it's not much use sending free computers if local governments just see computers as something to tax. There is much that local users can do to change the official climate and lobby for fairer conditions for computer and Internet users. This all needs a much more holistic approach to bridging the digital divide, and some very un-technological, fuzzy skills and capacities in human relations, organising, and training. Surprise, surprise. Roland Lubett Last-First Networks Armidale, Australia http://www.lastfirst.net --- linking practitioners ï activists ï organisations --- -- in holistic development -- ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/
Re: [GKD] RFI: Computer Donations To The Third World
To My learned, advanced and updated colleagues on this forum. It is not my intention to divert the current discussions or even to draw you back on issues that you may have already probably discussed in the past. I still get back to the first issue I earlier raised on procurement of the so called donated computers, particularly to Africa. I received a few responses from individuals, who I thank most sincerely for the bother. Some of these just told me to visit websites like ComputerAid.org WorldComputerExchange.org Indeed I took some time and spent some money (internet is really expensive in this part of the world) to explore how our poor training institution can at least acquire some of these computers, which have become so central to today's modern life. My findings are that it may seem so easy and a real donation in the eyes of our colleagues in the developed world, with healthy economies, that a donated computer only attracts about 80 British pounds from recipients. Even then, many of these colleagues are oblivious of the exorbitant import and other related taxes obtained in such slumped economies. This means that apart from the 80 pounds, recipients have to pay other costs in their own countries to finally get the so-called donated computer. To sincerely bridge the digital divide, as shown by our many endeavors and commitment, we must start all over again and revisit these issues especially from the African perspective. For instance, we can seriously lobby governments to zero rate ICT equipment and concomitant software because of the key role they play in life. Many African countries seem not to appreciate ICTs as evidenced by these taxes and other man-made inhibiting factors. Secondly, I know the sourcing of computers and other administrative aspects involve some costs in the developed countries. But can't this be part of the full package donation--a culmination of well givers and volunteers efforts. In the meantime, can someone please help us acquire free donated computers, in view of our training institution's position. It is also our desire to be part and parcel of the ICT family and contribute positively to the development of our country. Lawrence Zambia ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/
Re: [GKD] RFI: Computer Donations To The Third World
I have been down this used p.c. road to a very great extent. In fact, I spent several days in the Chicago area with a first class outfit that supplies good used p.c.'s to the Illinois school system. They come licensed by Microsoft with a later Windows 2000 o.s. and a monitor for about $150. FOB Chicago. For some small amounts they will load some browsers and some free stuff (real audio, Star office.) All that sounds good until arrival when the units have the usual problems - plus. Each one is slightly different that the other, so when there is a problem it is hard to diagnose a solution. We decided that the only way these could be cheaper than some new alternatives was if the original shipments went to a technical training school which already was set up to handle a variety of problems. That part of their training was to give each computer to a student and have him or her work on it, make it run, load some software, etc. etc...even break it down and put it back together again. So, if on arrival these come into a facility where there are parts, inventory controls, skilled individuals who will work as part of their education, then used p.c.'s may well be a good solution. But just because the starting price is $300. less than new, doesn't mean, in the end, the $150. unit is cheaper. (Oh, they would ship you as is computers for about $30. each...we had long discussions about that and absolutely decided the $120. of value they added was cheap. They are real nice guys by the way. You can contact Willie Cade [EMAIL PROTECTED] or Frank Goetz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Shucks...I can't get their URL to work. John Hibbs [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.bfranklin.edu ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/
Re: [GKD] RFI: Computer Donations To The Third World
I was in a thread elsewhere that discussed this same issue and I also thought that shipping used PCs makes perfect sense. The problem is the actual cost of the used PCs when other overheads are taken into account. Appended is an excerpt from an email I wrote concerning this:- I've done a little research to put this issue in perspective ... The website of the World Computer Exchange claims that: WCE has shipped 6,434 computers in 21 shipments worth $1,931,200 to connect 784 schools with 306,200 students in the following 15 countries: Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Cameroon, Georgia, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Lithuania, Malawi, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. I pulled out a calculator and assessed the above figures. It works out to about $300 per PC. 21 shipments implies that there are 306 PCs per shipment. Seperately, it was mentioned that it costs $20,000 per container to ship the PCs over which works out to $65 per PC. With those figures, it appears that shipping Walmart PCs at a cost of $65/PC (assuming it costs the same to ship them as the used PCs) on top of the *retail* price of $199 is still below the cost of shipping the used PCs. -- Guido Sohne[EMAIL PROTECTED] At Large http://sohne.net -- A master was asked the question, What is the Way? by a curious monk. It is right before your eyes, said the master. Why do I not see it for myself? Because you are thinking of yourself. What about you: do you see it? So long as you see double, saying 'I don't', and 'you do', and so on, your eyes are clouded, said the master. When there is neither 'I' nor 'You', can one see it? When there is neither 'I' nor 'You', who is the one that wants to see it? ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/
Re: [GKD] RFI: Computer Donations To The Third World
As a head of NTIC programme in Burkina Faso let me emphasize the fact that the gap between third world and developed courties is so high that we cannot make any comparison. I am also convinced that second hand computers may be of some help in third world. As you know more than 2/3 of the population in Africa are living with less than one dollar per day. Therefore how can they manage to get a brand new pc.? Daniel Makundi wrote: In support of Mr. Njungu. I have always protested aloud whenever I hear someone mentioning in a meeting something to the effect they are turning 3rd world countries into obsolete computer dumping ground. There is nothing like obsolete here: a 486/66 pc with 500 MB HDD and 16 MB RAM will nicely install Win95 and Office97 and leave you plenty of room for your data files. Doesn't sound like much, but, obtained at $80 (system unit, color monitor, keyboard and mouse), a person or school that would otherwise never dream of acquiring a computer. Please keep donating the used PCs and accessories, we out here do appreciate them very much. D. Makundi Dar es Salaam Larry Njungu [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ...it is suprising that some of us running training Institutions in the third world are not seeing these donated computers coming forth even to warrant such fears. It is therefore my request to my learned, updated and advanced colleagues on this forum to avail me addresses or procedures of acquiring donated computers from the first world so that we can at least get started with computer technology and be in the computer age like everybody else in the world. ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/
Re: [GKD] RFI: Computer Donations To The Third World
In support of Mr. Njungu. I have always protested aloud whenever I hear someone mentioning in a meeting something to the effect they are turning 3rd world countries into obsolete computer dumping ground. There is nothing like obsolete here: a 486/66 pc with 500 MB HDD and 16 MB RAM will nicely install Win95 and Office97 and leave you plenty of room for your data files. Doesn't sound like much, but, obtained at $80 (system unit, color monitor, keyboard and mouse), a person or school that would otherwise never dream of acquiring a computer. Please keep donating the used PCs and accessories, we out here do appreciate them very much. D. Makundi Dar es Salaam Larry Njungu [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ...it is suprising that some of us running training Institutions in the third world are not seeing these donated computers coming forth even to warrant such fears. It is therefore my request to my learned, updated and advanced colleagues on this forum to avail me addresses or procedures of acquiring donated computers from the first world so that we can at least get started with computer technology and be in the computer age like everybody else in the world. ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/
