2024 Phase 2 [2024-11-06]

Very quickly after our return from Tanzania, we began preparation for the 2024 Phase 2 projects. In Phase 2, Reneal is planning to install computer labs at 11 additional government secondary schools plus 22 Teacher-in-a-Box educational material hot spots. Our generous partner, Apto Solutions (www.aptosolutions.com), delivered a large fraction of the laptops in mid-October. While the quality of the donated hardware is always high, this is an exceptionally pristine batch of laptops! There are about 10 different models of Dell laptops, which historically have been very robust. Reneal Country Director David Nyangaka is guiding the recipient schools, located in Mbeya, Iringa, Dodoma, Arusha, and Kilimanjaro Regions.

In order to maximize reliability, Neal builds the Reneal servers from high-quality parts. He adds some redundancy to ensure the servers have a long life. He completed that work a few days before the laptops arrived. I have been testing the laptops and making minor repairs – mainly CMOS battery replacements. I also tested laptop adapters and the mice, keyboards, and monitors used with the servers. As part of the exporting process, the equipment is inspected to make sure it is functional, so much effort is expended in checking out everything completely. We are so grateful to Apto Solutions for the amazing donations of hardware! This is now the fourth year of their support, and Reneal has been able to provide computer labs to schools in ten regions and counting.

Last Saturday the Reneal Board of Directors met to discuss the Tanzania trip accomplishments and the work ahead. Reneal is thrilled that Rick Smith of “A is for Africa” (www.facebook.com/AisforAfrica/) has agreed to join Reneal’s Board. Interestingly, most of our Board had already intersected with Rick at various times over the years in Tanzania, so it was a happy re-introduction. Rick’s extensive in-country experience, plus an understanding of the challenges faced by small NGOs, will be invaluable addition. We look forward to strengthening our partnership and learning from each other.

[Photos: a Dell laptop ready for deployment to a school, thank you Apto Solutions!]