Lindsay's Africa Project - The project grows!

Right well, I've been busy, Lindsay's Africa Project now has assumed a building, and is employing staff, but I'll explain that in a minute.

Firstly, I've been supporting a project which I've written about before, The Galana Ranch Project. It was the offical opening of the school last week of the 8 classroom primary school, which has been built over the last 2 years.

So I got a gang together, rented a safari vehicle (much like any Ambulance trip!) and we headed in to enjoy the celebrations and to see also what the farmers had achieved.
Part of the 2 day event was the awarding of prizes to the best farmers for different catagories, and so I bought wheelbarrows for the best crops that year. It was a pleasure to be able to still assist in this project, and of course I got to make a customary speech in my best Swahille.
It was all good fun and we got to see some animals too which was great, also for Sinead too, who was on her first trip of the Africa interior.

It was all good fun and we got to see some animals too which was great, also for Sinead too, who was on her first trip of the Africa interior.







Since that event last week, I've been focusing on a seminar that I held yesterday. I have discovered during my computer work in the area with schools and contact with others, that there's a bit of a lack of understanding of computers amoungst people, but also a total lack of communication amoungst those that do know anything. So along with a rather enthusiastic guy named Jim originally from Nairobi we invited all to this IT seminar, with the idea of explaining a few computer things to those who don't know, and introducing those who do.



I'd like to think it was a success. About 40 people came from many backgrounds including government administration, schools, computer techs and individuals.

I think the main issue that was highlighted was the need for a central place that more information can come from, that'll help schools, and other groups utilise computers properly and to the most gain.

So it has strengthend mine and Jim's resolve to create an IT resource centre. So it is in the making, and over the next month I'll keep you posted on its progress.

So far we have the room rented, and we're getting security doors installed and furniture made. People have come forward as potential trainers for the computer school side, and we already have a hundred-and-one ideas about resources.
So if you have any contacts or IT ideas and resources please pass them on, I'll never have enough!!!!

All is well!!


Lindsay

Support the Love SHACK while in Dublin!

While here in Kenya doing all this computer work, I've also been working and staying with the Love SHACK in Kawangware slum in Nairobi, as you've probably read before. These guys solely rely on funds raised in Ireland and the UK. And sometimes on random folk like me who walk in through the door, but that money comes from Ireland too!

As Valentine's day comes upon us, it's time to think LOVE! Love for all, not just himself or herself! So if you feel drawn to Dublin city this Saturday 11th February please go.

Here's 2 ways in which you can give your support for this fantastic project, from the comfort and coldness of Dublin!

Their first flag day is happening at the top of Grafton St, all day long. ! There'll be entertainment on the street, in many forms! Head up there and embace and a big red heart!

The second event is in the evening, in The Underground, downstairs of Kennedy's Pub on Westland Row.

This can be your way of the adding to the support I'm giving from this end! Please enjoy! and have fun for me too as I wont be there, boo!!!!!

So all day and night entertainment this Saturday 11th February 2006 Dublin City.

More Computer Work

Hello there!
Currently in Nairobi checking on a few new applicants for computers, and checking on a centre I sent PCs to 2 years ago, when I was here last.
I'm staying in the lovely Love SHACK who are, as always looking after me very well!
It's all busy there, as the kids are back in school, and Karen the director, has just had her baby, Emily.

My parents have been and gone, hence radio silence for a while, as I was Chief Guide while they were over. We did lots, hit the beach, did our own safari and visited the Galana Ranch Project, visted Mombasa and traveled by the funny train to Nairobi. Go Michael Palin!

Also while the folks were in Malindi and we had rented a car, I used it to move a few computers around. I've been upgrading good secondary schools with the new batch of computers we have in stores, and then giving their older computers to low users like primary schools. This worked well, and has given all a new strength in their work and a drive to continue with the project.

Over the last few days I've been checking 2 new centres which have planned to create resource and training centres. Both are really great, and I hope we'll be able to help them out when our next consignment comes. Whenever that'll be! Hopefully by the end of this year. They are both in slums in Nairobi, and they would be new resouces that will help directly in their community projects and also be a new tool and information source for the idle mind.

The centre I went to visit today that recieved computers 2 years ago, unfortunately isn't too good. They say due to financal problems they have been unable to maintain the computers and set them up fully. So I've given them one month to make some progress or I'll have to be Mr Evil Lindsay again and threathen to take them away. But I'll also help them next time I come, as its really basic problems they have that wont take too much work. But it is no good to come in a fix all, as I wont always be here, and they must sustain themselves.

Plan for the next while is to continue sorting the schools in the Malindi area, I'll be doing another interior schools check at the end of the month when Hilary (the boss) is over.
Next big thing is an IT seminar I'm putting on in Malindi town. I'm putting this on with a friend I've made in Malindi who's involed in lots of community projects in the area. Our plan is to reach out to all in the community, schools (especially ones with computers), businesses and business people and the local community and government. We have talkers coming for schools businesses and the ministry of Education. It should be good, and the main goal is to introduce these magical things called computers which have been appearing for a while in the area. We'll then be discussing all the things that can be done with them. So if you have any suggestions please tell, or if you work in the IT field and reckon you could convince your company this would be a good conference to attend then come on over, we'll look after you!


Right! Back to Malindi!

Lindsay