Report from Africa: Part 3

We were lucky to see many schools because Global Partners, the NGO (non-government organization) that coordinated our trip is involved in schools and scholarships in East Africa. Many things amazed me during these visits: the lack of books, classes with 100 students, no electricity, and in some cases, no walls or roof. The enthusiasm of the kids and the devotion of the teachers are impressive when there are virtually no supplies and, occasionally, no food! Oh my. I constantly wondered, “What can I do?” It’s a daunting prospect for an organization with a staff and thousands of dollars. What can I, an individual, do to make a difference?

A few schools have a computer or two. One school had a whole room full of computers. They even had electricity to use them! What they didn’t have was the knowledge of how to use them. Imagine that you’ve never seen a computer before. How would you know what it could do? These days, when you get a computer, the only instruction you get is a manual that tells you how to plug in the components and turn it on. Then what? That’s why the computers at Kimnyak Secondary School sit unused in the “computer lab.”

Well, there’s something I can do. At one time, I wrote user manuals and tutorials for computers and software. I even wrote about computers way back when they were unusual to have, so I have experience explaining tasks that computers can do. Since I got home from Africa, I’ve been writing a tutorial for those languishing computers. That’s the easy part.

The dilemma is what to do with the tutorial once I’ve written it. How do I get it to the schools that need it? If I send it electronically, would they be able to print it? Will they have paper to print it on? Is there a central resource for teachers in each city that distributes teacher materials? I did get the names of two teachers who asked for help. Maybe I’ll collaborate with them to refine the materials and then decide how to set up a wide distribution. As you can see, even having something to contribute doesn’t mean it will help. Certainly an individual needs support. That’s why I am working with Global Partners. They have resources and connections in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

How You Can Help

Do you want to help with any of the projects I’ve described so far? You can send a check or use PayPal for a credit card donation. Send a check to Global Partners and mark it for “Jacquie Hale’s Fund.” Such a donation gives me permission to determine how the money is used for Global Partners’ projects and/or my new projects. If you want to use PayPal, go to www.GPFD.org and click Give/Donate. Once the PayPal page appears, you can leave a memo for my fund. Blessings on your generosity!

Global Partners
320 Professional Center Drive, Suite 120
Rohnert Park, CA  94928

I’ve found that many people want to help and simply don’t know how, so here’s your chance!

© 2008, Jacqueline Hale

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