This campaign is closed

Computers for Tola Library

Rural Nicaragua is very poor, but kids are happy we gave them old iMacs. We need to raise $2,850 to replace broken computers w/ help from Universidad Americana.

You may also be interested in

Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed

Computers for Tola Library

Computers for Tola Library

Computers for Tola Library

Computers for Tola Library

Computers for Tola Library

Rural Nicaragua is very poor, but kids are happy we gave them old iMacs. We need to raise $2,850 to replace broken computers w/ help from Universidad Americana.

Rural Nicaragua is very poor, but kids are happy we gave them old iMacs. We need to raise $2,850 to replace broken computers w/ help from Universidad Americana.

Rural Nicaragua is very poor, but kids are happy we gave them old iMacs. We need to raise $2,850 to replace broken computers w/ help from Universidad Americana.

Rural Nicaragua is very poor, but kids are happy we gave them old iMacs. We need to raise $2,850 to replace broken computers w/ help from Universidad Americana.

Anthony Barbera
Anthony Barbera
Anthony Barbera
Anthony Barbera
1 Campaign |
Limon - 2, Nicaragua
$795 USD 9 backers
27% of $2,850 Fixed Goal Fixed Goal
Choose your Perk

¡Muchas gracias! - Tola kids

$25 USD
Est. Shipping
July 2013
0 out of 1000 of claimed

The Tola Library is a free computer use and training service for the residents of Limon-Dos, Nicaragua and the surrounding region.  The Limon-Dos (Tola) is a local school of 108 students and the adjacent library serves the greater community.   Many people come from quite a distance for the opportunity of using their first computer, a skill the can then market for a job in one of the major cities.  Even with no Internet, the kids simply loved the old iMacs and the training we gave to them.

With the help of your donation, we intend to buy 10 used computers from the Universidad Americana in Managua, install all open-source programs - Linux OS, Libreoffice, graphics, social media, games, training in typing, English/Spanish, Math, and computer maintenance programs for long-distance maintenance in both Spanish and English.   This is a zero-cost and zero program update cost for the project, an important consideration for sustainability.

Here’s our cost estimate:

10 used computers @ $85/PC = $850
10 DVD’s with all the programs listed above, one for each computer = $450
Clean, refurbish, load and configure each computer @ 25/computer = $250
Rent van, gas, travel from Managua to Tola = $225
3 University students to replace computers, train teaching staff, remove old computers @ $25/day, for two days = $150
Two hotel rooms for 2 nights @$30/night for 3 students = $60 (share rooms)
Food for 4 days (includes preparation, return journey, and disposal of old computers) for 3 students, @ $20/day = $240
Internet service for 2 months for 4 computers @ $20/month = $160
Computer maintenance for 6 months @$20/month = $120

Sub-total = $2,505

Indiego, transfer and bank fees,  12% = $300
Shipping & handling of DVD’s & USB sticks to Nicaragua = $45

Total cost = $2,850

We intend to remove and recycle the iMacs that were installed by our partner organization (INNERChange Works) and replace them with locally sourced PCs running Ubuntu.  Software and Hardware configuration will be handled by local nationals (furthering the education of many) and provide basic software and computer training with these machines.

Many other challenges exist and were identified by an exploratory committee sent by Colorado Technical University doctoral candidates. (Elson et al., 2012).  To view this report, go to http://www.editlib.org/p/40946

 

Team

INNERChange Works.  http://www.innerchangeworks.org/
Janet Forester, President
janetjfoerster@gmail.com

They will manage the project, to include collect all donations and ensure program funds are spend in accordance with the above plan.

Universidad Americana in Managua.  http://www.uam.edu.ni/
Raquel Hurtado
Resp. De Educación Continua de Ingeniería
Tel +505 2278-3800 ext.5415/5334
raquel.hurtado@uam.edu.ni

They have the old computers, the lab, and the students who will re-furbish the computers, install software, configure, transport to Tola Region, install, train, and dispose of old computers.

Vincent and Anthony Barbera.

Vincent is a researcher at Colorado Technical University in Computer Science, and has visited the Tola region last year to initiate the Tola School and Library project in Limon-Dos in conjunction with INNERChange Works. 

Anthony is a computer technician, son of Vincent Barbera, who is tasked to source all the operating system and drivers, programs, and specifications for all of the computers to include a distant maintenance program over the Internet for the University students.

Questions, contact either of us at barbera.vincent@gmail.com or barbera.anthony@gmail.com

 

 

Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
Need more information
Let us know if you think this campaign contains prohibited content.

You may also be interested in

Up Caret