Kenya Trip July 2009

World Computer Exchange (WCE) sought individuals with good technology skills to help schools in Kenya. This team of up-to 6 “eCorps” volunteers departed for two weeks on Friday, the 10th of July 2009.

Volunteers needed one or more of these skills: using the Internet in education, network troubleshooting, computer repair training, website development and Linux LTSP thin-client lab installation. We also seek help researching and developing plans for appropriate computer disposal in these countries. Volunteers need to speak English. Except with specific agreement with our Partner, volunteers need to be at least 21 years old.

The trip began with two days of  rest, site-seeing and orientation at the Kenya School of Professional Studies which is being renamed Inoorero University under the leadership of Henry Thairu, a member of our Board of Directors.  Henry Thairu will participate in the orientation as well as representatives of iEARN Kenya and the Kenya ICT Trust Fund.  Site-seeing included a trip to the Nairobi National Park. During the orientation, the volunteers stayed at a nearby YMCA. After this, 3 or 4 smaller teams will work for eleven days in more rural settings.

See a beautiful slideshow of picutes recording one of the eCorps volunteers trip

The work sites were:

• Victoria Institute of Technology in Port Victoria area of western Kenya led by Harvard professor Calestous Juma ~  (Implementation Plan) Bryan Barton and Eric Sahlin are the WCE eCorps volunteers who will be at this work site for 3+ weeks.  They both are multimedia professionals who will work with Bob Odiambo to develop and begin to implement a model multimedia center at KCA Univeristy for the university and as a model for schools interested in getting computers from WCE and VIST.
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  Kenya School of Professional Studies - to work with their IT students in helping some high schools in Nyeri in Tetu Constituency hat are installing computers and networking them for Internet access. This will include some teaching and installing and configuring an eGranary Digital Library installation at the Kenya School of Professional Studies. The Chairman of the Kenya School of Professional Studies is the Member of Parliament for Tetu Constituency.  Nyeri is beau.tiful and near Aberdare National Park.      

Prior eCorps volunteers have found their 2-week trip to be life-changing.  Read about eCorps Nigeria.  Our prior eCorps volunteers would be happy to share stories of their adventures with you.

A copy of our eCorps Application is attached here in Word.

The following 6 people were members of eCorps Kenya:  Bryan Barton,  Deily Herrera, Jonathan McLean,  Jeremiah Masinde, Walter Ortiz, and Eric Sahlin.  They are from the USA, UK, Canada, Kenya and Costa Rica.  It is still possible to join them, write now to:  Kenya@WorldComputerExchange.org  

Estimated Costs:  $2,897 (updated 1 June)

• Estimated round trip airfare between Boston (sample) and Nairobi: $1,650  (you can check on airfare from your country - we will help you seek low cost)
• WCE Fee: $400
• Visa: $50
• Immunizations: $75 (if you need them)
• Travel / Medical Evacuation Insurance: $125 for AIG (there are others)
• Orientation, 2 nights lodging (YMCA B/B $17.50 per night), lunch and dinner, and site-seeing in Nairobi $120
• Transportation to/from work site: up-to $100
• Lunch at work site (may be lower than this) $5 x 11: $55
• Site-seeing on weekend from work site: $100 (including a portion of costs for person accompanying you)
• Lodging at work site $17.50 x 11 nights: $192

 All of your costs can be covered through a donation to WCE. This is tax-deductible in Canada and the USA.  You will need to check if your are from another country.

Tentative Itinerary: