Computers - finally!

Here's some shots of one of the computers as we near D-Day

Computahhhs

Long Overdue Update!

It's been a while since I've updated the blog about my progress, so here we go:

• We've had some very generous people come forward, and we're on track to order the parts within a week. Thanks to those people!
• I'm still looking for contributions! I could still use help paying for those costs not directly related to the computers, like travel expenses, shipping, and the cost of living.
• The solar-electrical system is being installed right now, and John from 52 Kids just got back from Uganda.
• I'm living in Burlington until mid-late December, and I'm flying out of Boston on the 29th!

Governor Lynch Learns about the Project!

A couple Saturdays ago, I was playing at a farmer's market in Concord, when Governor Lynch came by. I spoke to him for a couple minutes about the idea, got him to take an information sheet, and he dropped a few bucks into the bucket before leaving. I'm still waiting to hear back from him though...

Frequently Asked Questions

After speaking with a lot of people, I've noticed most of you have many questions in common. Here's some brief answers to questions I can remember off the top of my head:

When are you leaving?

I'm aiming to leave in January.

What exactly is the project?

The primary goals are:

1. Establish a computer lab for the students
2. Establish a for-profit Internet center from the same computers to pay for their upkeep, the children's school costs, etc

More information is here.

Isn't Uganda dangerous?

See my response here, and the State Dept's website regarding Uganda.

Again, I'll add more answers as I remember what some of the common questions. Feel free to email me!

Comment on the Recent Bombings

On July 11, the Somalian group al-Shabab set off two bombs around Kampala, the capital, killing 74. Kampala is located over one hundred miles from the small-town where I will be, and will host the African Union summit next week, which is why Kampala was targeted. I will not arrive in Uganda for several months, and I plan to see it through to completion.

Kamuli is a much smaller town, and a very unlikely target, so there is little reason to be concerned about safety (aside from the usual diseases, petty crime, animals, etc). Additionally, the State Department only has issued travel warnings up through the AU summit next week, as they believe that Kampala will become more stabile in the following weeks.

Terrorism happens everywhere, and no nation will ever be fully able to stop it. Uganda doesn't have the resources or strength in the government to deal with crime as effectively as America, but I think it's important that I don't let that fact scare me away from my goals.

Thanks!

A big thanks to those who have already contributed to the project - what a quick response!

Two projects?

The Rotary Club in North Conway, NH asked me about working with them for a water purification project in Uganda! We're still discussing it, but I think we're going to move forward with it, since the timing works out so well. This just makes me all the more excited to get the computers bought and built!