Carrying on [2025-03-02]

Some blog readers may have already heard that Reneal co-founder Neal Bierbaum died unexpectedly on December 19th. Neal was happy, healthy, and busy developing new software capabilities for the Reneal system at the time of his death. He spent the last 19 years of his life working tirelessly for students and teachers in the Philippines and Tanzania to bring them computers and technology. The loss is irreplaceable and unfathomable, yet Reneal will carry on his legacy. 

We were in the midst of preparing the 2024 Phase 2 equipment for shipment at the time of Neal’s death. Those boxes finally went out last Monday, and Reneal Country Director David Nyangaka is arranging for their pickup tomorrow at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Eleven schools should be receiving their computer labs soon, and there are also 22 Teacher-in-a-Box educational material hot-spots ready for deployment. 

We are happy to report that Apto Solutions has agreed to continue support to Reneal in 2025. David continually receives requests for computer lab support, so he will be evaluating candidates to find the most promising schools. The goal is to install computer labs at an additional 20 schools in 2025. In the meantime, Reneal’s Board will be working with David and Reneal Team Tanzania to continue Neal’s work supporting students and teachers. 

https://fremontchapeloftheroses.com/obituaries/neal-r-bierbaum/ 

[In memoriam: Neal Bierbaum]