mAliWatch Center Project

The last phase of a multi-year effort ( ), 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

mAliwatch Centers Program

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

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)

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

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

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)

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

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)

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

Five Year Cash Projection Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5 Sponsor Fund$35,000 Government Fund$0 Student Fee$15,150$15,302$15,455$15,609 Total Available Fund$35,000$15,150$15,302$15,455$15,609 Upgrade/Equipment$20,000 Internet Connection Fee$660 Internet Service Fee$5,746 Maintenance Allowance$4,800 Total Fixed Cost$31,206$10,546 Annual Operating Fund$3,794$4,604$4,756$4,909$5,063

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