The Complexities of Development Work

We're realising that 'Development' work is rather complex! We were trying to avoid to simply go down the charity route of donations to developing communities. We were attempting to encourage communities to help themselves. However, here in Kenya we're now realising that a seed does have to be planted before the tree can grow. That is, it may prove necessary to introduce some basic 'seed' technology to a community in order to start the ball rolling. In other words (to continue the analogy) if the ball is missing the 'game' will never be played! However, it is also proving quite obvious that if the knowledge (or 'rules') of how to play the game are missing then the ball may just sit there idly. So, it will be important to train teachers especially in the use of technology in 'developing' communities.

On the technical front the PDA set-up is still proving to be quite useful. Unfortunately we're not yet getting the MP3 player/recorder to charge from solar-it seems it doesn't like an unsteady power flow. Will try to look at this. Still need to test the FM transmitter but all in due course. Perhaps we'll attempt to broadcast the interview with Dr. David Harper. Generally its perhaps around a 75% succes rate with regard to the technical side of things although it has to be stressed that this is quite an arbitrary measure.