mAliWatch Center Project

1. mAliWatch Center Project

2. mAliWatch Center Project The last phase of a multi-year effort (2001-2004), this project’s goals are: - Set up full internet access at Lycee kAnkU ’musa (Kankou Moussa); Purchase & ship used computers from US to (new) partners in mAli; Systemic (re)training of teachers and students at Lkm/other Lycees.

3. Project Execution • Phase 1: Project Planning & Funding • Phase 2: Computer Shipping Experience • Phase 3: Faculty and Students Training • Phase 4: Government Involvement

4. Phase 1:Project Planning & Funding • Previous scope changed from donation of computers to the construction of new Computer Lab/mAliWatch Center  Experience led to new demands from professors, students and MEN. • Thus, original 3 committees must really perform their assigned tasks (Realization, Management, and Fund Raising & Public Relation). • August 31, 2001: 15 used computers were purchased from WVU at $1,650 (donations and mW funds). Now, 15 more computers are needed.

5. Phase 2:Computer Shipping Experience • Initially, there were three major impediments: Lack of information; lack of even minimal funding; and lack of favorable macro context. • Now, trial-and-error process has led to acceptable formula: Shipping by ground service to NYC + Air-freight to bAmAkOO-senu. • Somewhat expensive (formerly $190/computer; now, $230/per computer), but benefits of saving time, of limiting damages, of no customs fees, and most importantly re-energizing of partners.

6. Phase 3: Faculty and Students Training • Faculty need to be trained in the areas of personal skills, curricula enrichment, and applied research. Some expertise exists. • Almost all students need to be trained in basic computer literacy and web applications. • Modules exist but need to be updated, and some types of manuals (for both professors and students) need to be distributed.

7. Phase 4: Government Involvement • Government support has always existed through Ministries of Health and of National Education; • Hopital gabriyEli ture (Hgt, Gabriel Toure) and Lycee kAnkU ’musa (Lkm) known as test-sites, then as model/pilot-sites; • In 2002 and 2003, $28.8 thousand in funding provided for new building at Lkm, and for CJA/HSTA “LifeStyles Project” team (3 students and 1 professor) to participate in International Science Expo 2003 in Moskva (Moscow)

8. mAliwatch Centers Program • The goal is to provide selected or all high-schools in mAli with IT infrastructures over a period of 2, 5, or 10 years, in partnership with the Government, local IT businesses, communities, teacher and student groups, and other sponsors of interest. • Three high-schools are already identified (Lycees prOspEr kAmArA in bAmAkOO, dUgUkolo kOnArE in kAyI, and abire goro in kooro) in order to test/set up an integrated learning system.

9. mAliwatch Centers Program

10. A. Computer Drive & Sponsor Relations • Work with mAliWatch Coordination Generale to develop goals and timeline for computer drives • Identify possible sponsors • Develop relationship with targeted sponsors • Prepare and file applications for funding • Oversee purchase and shipment of IT equipments

11. B. Facilities Construction & Maintenance • Work with the Government to obtain funding for new facilities • Assist with the design and construction/ renovation of new computer labs (user-friendly, as in the case of persons with disabilities) • Develop maintenance program for existing computer labs (security, A.C., accessories)

12. C. Computer Installation & Maintenance • In the near future, develop the basic requirements and specifications for computers & IT equipment • Oversee the installation of new equipment • Negotiate contracts with Internet providers • Develop maintenance program for IT equipment • Negotiate maintenance and recycling contracts with local IT companies

13. D. Training • Work with the Ministry of Education and/or the high-schools to develop new IT curricula • Develop training programs for professors • Recruit volunteers and set up extra-curricular programs for students/public

14. Program Approach • Phase 1: Upgrade existing mAliWatch center to a “smart classroom” standard and establish a sustainable management model • Phase 2: Replicate the model in x high schools over y years (function of available resources)

15. Phase 1 • Finalize terms of “Accord-Cadre” • Obtain funding • Connect to Internet • Establish student fee and management plan • Agree upon need assessment mechanism and develop training modules

16. Phase 2 • Target new high-schools in collaboration with all interested parties/institutions • Estimate funding requirements and locate sources (be open to all possibilities) • Apply & Obtain funding • Integrate efforts into the National IT Promotion Program (Ministry of Communication and New Technologies)

17. Proposed Financing – Phase 1 • LKM total student body: 3000 students • LKM student yearly increase: 1% • Student annual fee: 2500 CFA ($5.00) • Sponsors fund: $35,000 • Internet connection fee (Ikatel 2 yrs): 550,000 CFA • Internet service fee (Ikatel 2 yrs): 399,000 CFA • Anticipated internet service discount: 40% • Upgrade expenses: 10,000,000 CFA • Monthly maintenance allowance: 200,000 CFA • Exchange rate: $1.00 = 500 CFA

18. Five Year Cash Projection

19. Conclusion • Program is rooted in years of experience and is self-sustainable after the first year • Requires one time financing only • Very realistic student annual fee (2500 CFA/$5) • Ability to replace/add 5 new computers every 2 years • Promote the country’s IT program • Business opportunity for IT businesses • Requires collaboration and rigorous management