Computer Projects

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Computer Projects
Children's and Community Center (Singida) & Gunda Secondary School

While finding resources to provide food and support education remain our primary focus areas in Tanzania, FFCC is also working to support efforts to provide basic computer systems in Tanzania. These computer systems provide an opportunity for the Children's and Community Center in Singida to become self-sustaining and also offer modern day training to the students at Gunda Secondary School.

Children's and Community Center
Computer Lab/Internet Cafe

Gunda School Computer Lab

FFCC is currently planning a five computer network for the Children’s and Community Center in Singida, Tanzania. In addition to being a learning resource for the more than 500 children who use the Center every school day, the network will also be available for use after hours as an internet café for the surrounding community. By making such a modern resource available in an area where internet access is scarce, the Center would be able to derive an income source from the network that would be part of the funding necessary to keep the Center self-sustaining.

How can you help? In addition to the donation of five computers, two printers, and a network hub, FFCC is seeking help in obtaining and installing an internet access system for the network, which will likely require a satellite uplink or similar system. Donations of both equipment and expertise will be necessary to have this system operational by June of 2010. If this is something you think you may be able to help us with, we’d love to talk to you! Please contact Andy Thweatt at athweatt@sksoil.com for more information.

In October, 2008, FFCC - in conjunction with Dell computer and local San Diego County based businesses - began purchasing and assembling a computer network for the Gunda Secondary School in Nkungi, Tanzania. The network included ten state of the art computers, two printers, a network hub, and a projector. The system was completed and shipped to Tanzania in late 2008, then partially assembled by the teachers and students in early 2009. The Team Tanzania volunteers from FFCC completed the setup in June of 2009.

Students at the school now have ready access to word processing, spreadsheet, and graphics programs, as well as limited access to the internet via cellular service. School curriculum now includes regularly scheduled computer classes at the school. The network is the only one of its size within two hours of the village of Nkungi in any direction, and is also used as a community resource for the surrounding population.

How can you help? Future plans for the network include an upgrade to an internet connection capable of allowing all students to access the internet with reasonable speed. This will be a challenge for the team due to the lack of any strong cellular signals that can provide any bandwidth in the immediate area. A satellite uplink is the most probable next step. If you have any questions or desire to be involved in this effort, please contact Andy Thweatt at athweatt@sksoil.com.

Check the FFCC Calendar for the food packing or travel events! Volunteer right here in San Diego or explore Travel opportunities with FFCC. Donate toward the purchase of the rice, protein, vitamins, and vegetables that go into each packaged meal or towards other critical needs. Every dollar donated makes a life-and-death difference! Thank you for your help!