Cebu Summary [2016-03-18]

The jet lag is gone, the laundry is done, and now we’re ready to start planning the next batch of projects in Cebu.  There is a Reneal IEO Board of Directors meeting tomorrow, and we’re excited to see the outcome as they analyze the data we’ve collected to date on prospects for later this year in Cebu.  Reneal IEO is now supporting TWENTY schools in Cebu, and we look forward to the possibility of adding more.  In the meantime, below is a summary of the 2016 work to date that we presented to Dr. Rhea Mar Angtud, the Superintendent of Cebu Province Division, and Dr. Arden Monisit, the Superintendent of Mandaue City Division.

Dear Dr. Angtud and Dr. Monisit,

Greetings of Peace and Joy from Reneal International Education Outreach Incorporated!  This letter serves to summarize the work of Reneal IEO so far this year.  In January and February of 2016, Reneal IEO extended its system to an additional five schools.  Three of the schools are in Cebu Province Division: Almacen Torrevillas National High School (Medellin), Consolacion National High School Day, and Mulao National High School (Compostela).  Two of the new schools are in the Mandaue City Division: Tabok National High School and Tipolo National High School.  In addition, Reneal IEO donated additional computer equipment to address attrition at several schools served in prior years.  Estimated total donation value from Reneal IEO for these projects in Cebu is 639,305 Philippine pesos.  Reneal IEO plans to return to Cebu in September for additional installations.  We have now reached a total of 20 schools in Cebu. 

The table on the next page provides a summary of the recent Reneal IEO projects in Cebu, including the approximate donation amount and the number of students at each school.  We would also like to acknowledge the computer equipment generously donated to Reneal IEO by American companies in support of this work.  The value of these donations is included in the summary table.  Teacher orientation training is offered for schools where the Reneal IEO system is installed, and the number receiving this training is also provided in the table.  Formal system administration training will be offered for the IT teachers in October.

The Reneal IEO system is based upon Ubuntu and Open Source software.  As such, it is free and legal for use by schools.  It does not suffer from virus problems and the centralized nature of the system greatly reduces maintenance costs and time for the ICT teachers.  Centralized file storage is also much more efficient to use for students and teachers because they can access their files from any of the computers on campus that are connected to the server.  Teacher accounts are password protected so students cannot access teacher information.  The Reneal IEO system allows for the use of older computers, even those without a hard disk, but provides excellent performance.  The system has the standard types of applications taught to students in the Dep Ed curriculum, but also includes a huge collection of applications and resources for teachers for ICT integration in all other subject areas. However because the Reneal IEO system is a server-client configuration, any existing Microsoft software installed on the computers can still be used. 

Reneal IEO views its work here as a long-standing partnership with the schools of Cebu.  The IT teachers at these schools are leaders in identifying the creative use of technology that can be developed and shared with other schools.  Reneal IEO looks forward to continuing to support these schools into the future, as well as expanding to other schools in Cebu later in 2016 and beyond.