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More Information About this Project

Project Needs and Beneficiaries

Prior to the setting up of the lab, the girls did not have any exposure to computers. This effectively prevented access to a world of learning opportunities. Computer proficiency is required for any career path and they were disadvantaged. Furthermore, "because girls are participating in much fewer numbers and for shorter periods, particular attention to girls is essential, not only for the development of the country, but to fulfill the right of every child to education" - UNICEF.

Activities

Learning opportunities through the computer lab is helping to prepare the girls for success in our computer-enabled and connected society. Technology is playing a huge role in educating and empowering them, helping them to build more secure and stable futures through increased knowledge, communication and access to information. A technology-proficient woman is more likely to attend university, have more secure, healthy families and contribute to the overall well-being of her home and community.

Funding Information

Total Funding Received to Date: £1,567
Remaining Goal to be Funded: £6,527
Total Funding Goal: £8,094

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources

Why this Project is Important

Potential Long Term Impact

Project contributes to achievement of UN Millennium goals, helping close the gender gap in education. It is an effective long-term investment, helping to eradicate poverty by enhancing education, broadening options and offering new opportunities. It offers great potential in terms of exposing the girls to much-needed computer technology and related opportunities. This exposure is helping to prepare the girls for our technology-aided world and for positions of future leadership.

Project Message

To educate girls is to reduce poverty.
- Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations

Who is Running This Project

Contact

Sylvester Renner,
Founder
1906 Knob Creek Road
Suite 3
Johnson City,Tennessee 37604
United States
4232820006
Email:

Project Sponsor

Sylvester Renner

Organisation

Empower Girls, Provide Computer Training

Summary

Join us in providing enhanced educational opportunities for girls in Sierra Leone through a fully-equipped, multimedia computer lab. The lab is contributing to and enhancing the quality of the education given to the girls enrolled in the school. Access to the computer technology is enhancing teaching and broadening learning opportunities for children and teachers alike. The special software installed on the computers is easy to use and additionally helps the children learn on their own. progress reportread updates from the field


How You Can Help  question mark

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Received $2,494 from 84 donations from people like:

Suzanne Cloutier
潘淮
Elisa Ramos
(Anon.)

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YOU!
Give now to become donor #85!
Develop Africa, Inc. Logo Develop Africa, Inc.
1906 Knob Creek Road
Suite 3
Johnson City, Tennessee 37604
United States
423-282-0006
http://www.developafrica.org

Learn more about Develop Africa, Inc. and the project team.


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Where this Project is Located

Country

This project is located in Sierra Leone and can also be found under Women and Girls.

For more information about Sierra Leone, read the Human Development Report on Sierra Leone or the Wikipedia entry for Sierra Leone.

When this Project was Updated

Last Updated

This project was last updated on April 24, 2012.

Date Added to GlobalGiving

This project was added to the GlobalGiving project catalog on February 24, 2010.

Latest Update from the Field

You Are a Smile Maker, Report from Tutor and Thank you Message From 3 Gems

By Sylvester Renner - Project Leader, April 24, 2012 01:54 PM

Just having fun!
Just having fun!

Warm greetings.

Here's an update on the classes: Classes are progressing well at the school.  This report includes an update from the Computer Class Tutor - Maada M. and 3 brief video thank you messages for the girls - true gems, expressing their appreciation for your support that has opened this door of opportunity for them.



Summary Report from Maada, Computer Tutor

 

Course Topics:

  1. Definition of a computer
  2. Parts of The Computer system (Keyboard, mouse, monitor, system unit)
  3. Classification of computers by Size (desktop, laptop, palm top etc)
  4. Characteristics of computers (speed, accuracy, size, storage)
  5. Advantages and of Disadvantages of computers
  6. Uses of computers (Home, Education, Government, Hospital etc.)
  7. Definition of software (Ubuntu)
  8. Desktop elements and their function (computer, document, trash)
  9. Creating folder, renaming and deleting folders.
  10. Changing background
  11. Changing date and time
  12. How to use (play)  utility games
  13. Working with Open Office Programs (Microsoft Office)
  14. Elements of the Open Office Program (title bar, menu bar tool bars, work environment)
  15. Creating a file in open office word processor
  16. Editing a documents in open office (use of spelling and grammar)
  17. Formatting a document in open office (use of Bold, italic, bullet & numbers, line space, underline etc.)
  18. Reproducing simple office documents like; letters, memos, invoice etc.
  19. Introduction to Excel (Spreadsheet)

 

General Performance:

From the assessment / test done, I am proud to say that the general performance of the pupils is good. A test was conducted on 23rd and 25th of January 2012 for the class 6 pupils. From the test results, 18 of the pupils scored 80%, 25 scored 50-79%, and 11 scored below 50%. It is hoped the pupils will improve on this record in the next assessment which will be done in April.

 
Concluding Remark
:
The whole exercise is very encouraging because the literacy in computer studies is allaying the fears of the pupils and because of the basic computer skills they have acquired they can now operate a computer. This will widen their horizon as they grow up and be able to appreciate the essence of computers not only in school but in other environments. It has also aroused their interest and got them to realize the importance of computer studies.



Here is a link to a Youtube Video where 3 of the Girls say "Thank you" for this opportunity"

What we are doing together is amazing and its heart-warming to see and hear the messages of appreciation from the girls.  W are truly changing mindsets together and opening a new world of opportunity for these girls.  All thanks to YOU!.  Thanks donors and friends for joining us in showing girls (as aptly said by Bintu in the video) that we love and care for them!  We deeply appreciate your support!

In closing, I would like to share a new phrase with you - "Smile Maker" : A "Smile Maker" by my definition is someone that makes others smile or helps to create an environment that results in smiles.  As you can see from the photos and video clips, the girls are smiling and very appreciative of your support. That makes you a "Smile Maker"!

We welcome your donation today that will help us provide on-going training, window curtains and ceiling fans or an air conditioner. 

Thanks again for your support and best wishes!

Joy - Thanks to you - "Smile Makers"
Joy - Thanks to you - "Smile Makers"
Delighted to be learning...
Delighted to be learning...
So very glad for this training!
So very glad for this training!

Links:

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