Hello again from Reneal [2026-06-02]

Well, I definitely got behind on blogging! The 2025 Phase 2 computer labs are installed, training is done, and we have eight new schools in the Reneal family. And here we are now, well into preparations for the 2026 Phase 1 projects! I am also excited to report that our partner in Tanzania, Arusha Node Marie, has been installing new computer labs with a Reneal server in schools. The ANM and Reneal Teams have worked together since 2014, and it is great to be entering a new phase of collaboration.

Many thanks go to our ever-supportive donor, Apto Solutions, for the equipment for another ten schools in 2026 Phase 1! They have also provided the micro desktop computers to Reneal to support ANM’s new labs. Apto Solutions continues to go above and beyond in helping Reneal, in ways too numerous to list. A big shout-out to Jason, Anthony, and Dale! Reneal is also grateful to Sound Family Medicine in Bonney Lake, WA, for the donation of Dell All-in-One thin clients which work well with the Reneal system. This is the second major donation by SFM; thanks go to my sister-in-law, Dr. Julie Komarow, for facilitating this connection. Reneal Country Director David Nyangaka is working with the ten selected schools to prepare their computer rooms for the upcoming installations.

Reneal Team Tanzania completed beginning-of-the-year school visits in February and March. This is a key task to perform updates, repair equipment, and monitor school performance. There were the usual ups and downs, and the Team is busy following up with maintenance and training tasks identified during the visits. Reneal is so fortunate to have these eight energetic young technicians who are making Reneal sustainable.

My nephew, Reece Robertson, is visiting from Nebraska for a month to help prepare the 2026 Phase 1 shipment. He was here last year as well, and his efficient, competent assistance has been invaluable. He has become a master at taking apart computers to remove batteries and storage devices. We are on the brink of beginning the packing process, to get these wonderful computers from Apto Solutions into the hands of the students in Tanzania.

In March, with significant help from the internet, I was able to update the Reneal client image. This solved numerous driver problems that had plagued us late last year, allowing us to use newer laptops. Of course, there is now a new software issue to address (that is the nature of software), but for now it is full steam ahead for 2026!

[Photo: Reneal’s Troubleshooting Team at work]