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<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=490083704-22052008>Hi all</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=490083704-22052008></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=490083704-22052008>Every year the ICT programme at the U.S.Peace Corps
receives and assigns about 8 American ICT professionals to work for up to 2
years on Voluntary basis with ICT ventures across Kenya. Their skills vary. Some
are trained and experienced in hardware maintenance and networking, while
others are programmers and experienced in setting up huge and complex databases.
Some are involved in teaching basic ICT skills while others are computer
graphics designers and web-developers and programmers -including establishment
of e-commerce enabled websites for small businesses and co-operatives. A
number have worked on programming in wireless environments -to take advantage of
the wide cellphone coverage in Kenya</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=490083704-22052008></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=490083704-22052008>Computers for Schools - earlier mentioned, is one of
the Peace Corps clients. Others are Land O Lakes -which is currently
beta-testing a program known as co-op works created with assistance from FAO.
Co-op works is an ICT platform that integrates all aspects of running a
dairy co-operative, and with minor modifications will work for other kinds of
co-operatives as well. Peace Corps Volunteers were involved in programming the
software for drumnet - also earlier mentioned. Peace Corps Volunteers were
assigned to support a pilot effort in Western Kenya to bring Internet
Connectivity wirelessly to 20 schools within a 15 km radius using refurbished
satellite equipment from Eastern Europe, and then deliver interactive education
content through this means</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=490083704-22052008></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=490083704-22052008>The Peace Corps does not directly advance its own ICT
agenda. Rather it supports efforts to make ICTs more relevant and impactful
upon the lives of rural populations - especially low income segments of this
population - whether the impact is long-term (as in education) or short
term e.g. an e-commerce enabled website for Malindi Handicrafts co-operative
society. Volunteers also share their ideas about opportunities to deploy ICT for
the benefit of poor rural populations in the hope that some local institution
might get interested and "sponsor" the prototyping and testing of the
idea</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=490083704-22052008></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=490083704-22052008>Cheers all</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=490083704-22052008></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=490083704-22052008>Louis</SPAN></FONT></DIV><BR>
<DIV class=OutlookMessageHeader lang=en-us dir=ltr align=left>
<HR tabIndex=-1>
<FONT face=Tahoma size=2><B>From:</B>
kictanet-bounces+lothieno=ke.peacecorps.gov@lists.kictanet.or.ke
[mailto:kictanet-bounces+lothieno=ke.peacecorps.gov@lists.kictanet.or.ke] <B>On
Behalf Of </B>Jose'<BR><B>Sent:</B> Wednesday, May 21, 2008 6:03
PM<BR><B>To:</B> Othieno, Louis<BR><B>Cc:</B> KICTAnet ICT Policy
Discussions<BR><B>Subject:</B> [kictanet] Civil Society Roles
(activities,motives & challenges) Day 3 of 10<BR></FONT><BR></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>Greetings Walu and all, <BR>It happens that am in the workshop with
Mr.Hare. <BR>Kimathi Information Centre based in Kamukunji constituency and its
offices in Kimathi Estate;<BR> <BR><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; TEXT-DECORATION: underline">ACTIVITIES</SPAN><BR>1)Uses
computers as a tool in catalyzing Macro n Micro businesses to get skills on how
to use office based programs.<BR><BR> 2)Offer trainings/workshops for
Ideas,Macro & Micro enterprise on how to write business plans,letters and
business etiquette.(August trainings registration open.We are in partnership
with <SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">University of British
Columbia)</SPAN>.<BR><BR> 3)We provide convenience to the community
inhabitants in offering Internet based services as its main sustainability
model. <BR><BR><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; TEXT-DECORATION: underline">CHALLENGES</SPAN><BR><BR>1)
Convincing the stakeholders to fund initiatives e.g,Workshops/Symposiums. <BR>2)
Poor Internet connectivity.Unfortunately its our sustainability
model.<BR>3)Capacity building on training staff on changing trends in the ICT
field.However i<SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">ts important to note</SPAN> that
this issue is being addressed by stakeholders like <SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Kictanet</SPAN> and <SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">ICTBOARD</SPAN>.<BR> Regards, <BR>José.
<BR><JWALU@YAHOO.COM><MARUTI@WORLDCORPS.ORG><BR></MARUTI@WORLDCORPS.ORG></JWALU@YAHOO.COM>
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