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).

Thinking and planning [2016-12-11]

As 2016 wraps up, our thoughts turn ever more frequently to 2017.  We leave for Cebu in late January, so Neal is in the midst of some software development for that.  I’m getting the books in order for end-of-the-year reports.  And both of us have been exploring some exciting new options for Reneal’s future.

Neal and I met in late November with Judy and Denis Severson from The School Fund (TSF, theschoolfund.org) to discuss the possibility of installing the Reneal system at some TSF schools in Tanzania in 2017.  Subsequent conversations have brought us to a tentative plan to install Reneal systems at two TSF schools in Iringa.  We are also planning for another installation in Arusha.  We are looking at a late August timeframe and have a solid plan for logistics to make this all happen.  We are very excited about this possibility.  TSF already has a good infrastructure in place in Iringa and Karatu, and Reneal and TSF organizational missions and goals are well-aligned.

Neal has been working on a capability requested by one of the dynamic computer teachers in Cebu, Ma’am Fritzie.  Ma’am Fritzie wanted to be able to consolidate all of the students’ assignment files into a single folder for easy checking by the teacher.  This is a good suggestion that should help many teachers, so Neal has been writing software to do this automatically.  He is also adding in to the server the new RACHEL Plus modules now available from World Possible (www.worldpossible.org).  His current research project is checking out a Google ChromeBook for potential use as a client.

I’m in the process of finishing up my engineering consulting work, which took me to New Mexico this last week.  I was able to meet with the chair of my company’s American Indian Outreach Committee to inquire about contacts and possible opportunities for Reneal to meet unserved computer needs in schools.  We are hoping we can make a connection and learn more about how we might be able to partner with the Native American community in support of education.

Finally, we were excited to get a call last week from the Cristina Foundation, an organization that matches computer hardware donations to local non-profits.  We will be receiving a donation of five desktops and five laptops!  We’ll be arranging the pick-up this week in Tracy.  We are so grateful for hardware donations, Reneal’s life blood to make our mission a reality!

[Photo compliments of Ma’am Estela Gedoquio, Tominjao National High School, Daanbantayan Cebu]