Error message

Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementBase::execute($args = [], $options = []) should either be compatible with PDOStatement::execute(?array $params = null): bool, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2244 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::key() should either be compatible with Iterator::key(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::valid() should either be compatible with Iterator::valid(): bool, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).

Countdown to Tanzania [2013-06-22]

Implementation of the 2013 Reneal IEO projects in Tanzania is still a couple of months away, but the wheels are turning to ensure that everything is ready to go. There are the basic logistical tasks to complete: getting the malaria pills, ordering some Tanzania schillings from the bank, brushing up on our rudimentary Swahili, and so forth. More importantly, we’re making sure that the software and hardware are ready to go for the new IT labs we will be installing at three high schools. The time on-site at each of the three schools will be short, so the key is “no surprises”. We have some hardy volunteers who will be helping at the end of June with full-up system testing (a server and 12 thin client computers running together). Once that testing is done and final software adjustments are made, we’ll create the training materials that we’ll be sharing with the teachers to help them learn how to use the software and user interface. We hope to create training videos this year that can be left behind at this year’s schools and also reused for future installations.

The final stage, packing, is always challenging. It will be particularly interesting for this trip due to the quantity of hardware we need to take as airplane baggage. We’ll be carrying servers and network switches for all three schools, as well as the 12 laptops for the school in Musoma. Combine this with our own personal gear for multiple weeks, and it makes for quite a load. The long journey, from San Francisco to Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro airport in Tanzania, will take 20 hours followed by a wait in line to get a visa and to pass through customs. But it all becomes worthwhile the moment we see the smiling faces of friends and colleagues there. There are no words to describe the thrill of seeing the students and teachers using a new IT lab for the first time and to see whole new worlds opening up for them.

Reneal IEO has projects in the Philippines and Tanzania, giving opportunities for students and teachers in developing countries to learn about and with IT. If you’d like to be a part of this, see our How to Help page!