Dear all,

As said Aletta Jacobs College has donated 10 computers. I'm now trying to arrange shipment. I already found an option that would cost 200 EURO per m3, which is pretty cheap(normal price is around 300 EURO). This container will probably be shipped at the end of September.

The computers are still at the college, which has summer holiday right now, so it's difficult to find out when and where to collect the computers. I'm trying... :-x and will keep you posted.

Pelle

Ok ok.... we're getting closer. :-D

I've finally managed to contact Aletta Jacobs College. Their summer vacation is nearly done.... I'll hear on Monday how many computers they secured exactly and when and where I can pick them up.

I've secured 2 m3 in a container, that's due to leave for Uganda end of September. Shipment cost should be no higher than 400 EURO.

Pelle

Hi Paul:

I did some research at The Foundation center in New York City and identified an organization that provides In Kind Gifts including computer equipment: In Kind Gifts International- they have a website and I will be contacting them shortly.

Jackie O'Neal

I visited the Gifts in kind website. One needs to register to get a donation. Does Nabuur have a particular person to register on its behalf for this kind of requests? Jackie, How are you doing it?

Hi :
I requested an application and forwarded to Paul to fill out and return.
There is a $50 fee and I suggest getting donations from neighbors working on this project. I suggested $10 a piece.

Jackie

International_TAP_app.pdf

Hi Jackie,

Getting registered with Gifts in Kind sounds like a good idea. Do they require an NGO registration? (BEHOD is a CBO)

Pelle

Today Sjef (my brother in law) and I drove to the north of Holland to collect the PCs at Aletta Jacobs College. We got 15 computers + monitors. They're now in my living room to be tested, and due to be packed into the container next weekend.

More info to follow soon!

:-D

Pelle

Wow thats Great thank you all my neighbours for all that you have done the contributions we now have the computers i want to thank my facilitator who have not given up with me till today and i pray that let's all work together for the success of Jinja central.
Bravo Pelle!!!!!!!!!!

I think with the type of application I sent you there are no such strict requirements, but I can make an inquiry and let you know next week.

Jackie+

Dear all,

I'm happy to tell you that the computers for the training centre are ON THEIR WAY!

The last couple of weeks my family, friends and I have been busy preparing this shipment:
- first we had to collect the computers from Aletta Jacobs College in Hoogezand... a 6 hour trip.[img align=right hspace=15]http://www.nabuur.com/uploads/img_46fb94f3a1ec0.jpg[/img]
- the computers came with Windows XP installed, I've cleaned the harddisks and the XP installations, which means the whole living room was packed with computers for a week
- at the same time I've been arranging a laser printer, scanner (via EBay). My neighbours helped me find more mouses and keyboards.
- eventually last Saturday my wife and I were able to pack the computers into the container, which will leave for Uganda this week.

[img align=right hspace=15]http://www.nabuur.com/uploads/img_46fb93232a44e.jpg[/img]

Many thanks to:
Jeroen Fase for donating the crates the computers are shipped in, Dick Hoevenaars for donating his scanner, Aletta Jacobs College for the computers, Sjef van Santvoort for helping carry the computers, Edwin Kruizinga for arranging mouses and keyboards.

[img align=right hspace=15]http://www.nabuur.com/uploads/img_46fb96ec2cb67.jpg[/img]
I'm currently raising funds to pay for the shipment. Next week Sunday (7 Oct) a friend and I will run 10 kms, for which we can be sponsored.

I'll keep you posted!

Pelle

Jackie wrote:

Great search Jackie. Especially the stuffyourrucksack link seems useful. Shipping costs will still be a hurdle for using Gifts in Kind.

Pelle

Question for Paul and all Ugandan neighbours!!!

The computers are on their way, but I fear they have the wrong plugs (see picture):-(:-(:-(

Paul, would you know a solution?
Daniel, perhaps you know where to find 30+ cables? (for computers & monitors, printers, scanner)

Pelle

Hi Pelle,

Plugs are a common problem as is the voltage coming in. You need to also check that the computer voltage is in the range of the electrical voltage of the plugs in Uganda. For example, in North America, plugs use 110. In Zambia they use 220 volts. The outlet would overload the computer... Some computers take a range of voltage (say 110 - 240volts). You may want to check this. There are step-down transformers that can be used to prevent too much power coming in. They can be expensive (about $40 USD each).

Regarding plugs, you can get adapters to covert the plugs or alternatively, splice the plug head off and re-wire with the correct type. Run the risk of damaging the computer though.

Maybe there are other alternatives?

Barb

Dear All,

Great work! Do not get worried of the said plugs. Most plugs and sockets are now standardised. I saw the plug and I think its the same type of plug I have for my laptop which I used in Uganda a few weeks ago.

Cheers,

Sonny

Hi Pelle

Good luck with the run!

I have seen that the computers have Windows XP on them. Have you also been able to send the disks with them in case they ever need to reload/repair it (had to do that to mine last week!!!)?

What other software do they have on them e.g. office-type programs? That may tie in with working out what training to offer at the centre e.g. if they already have Microsoft Office on them you can train in those applications, but if not you will either need to find a way of getting a free/cheap version, or using open source software like Open Office which can be freely downloaded used by anyone without having to pay, and is very similar to MS Office.

Mary