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Computing in Rwanda?

Posted by Cliff on from the coders-in-the-cradle-of-civilization dept.

gehel asks: "In September I will be going to Rwanda, working for a year in a developement project as a Computer Science guy. I'm leaving with an association that doesn't have much experience in sending CS guys over there, but I'm sure some Slashdot readers have some experience in that field. For all those who know Rwanda or Africa better than me, or for those who have been working in developement projects: What should I be prepared for? What would you bring with you to go there? How do you think we can bring Computer Science to a developement project in Africa, without creating too much dependencies on the North? What are the typical failures of such projects?" "I don't know much about what I am going to do there except : I will be based in Kigali. I will be working (at least partly) as a sysadmin with existing computer installations (most probably Windows based), I will do some teaching (mostly in system administration), and I might work a bit to help creating a new radio station. Finally, I'd like to add that I am proud to be doing this as a service for my country."

4 of 56 comments (clear)

  1. Power, Heat, People by gbrandt · · Score: 5, Informative

    A few notes from my visit to Ghana:

    1. you and your equipment will find the heat incredible
    2. power is unrealiable at best, brownouts and black outs are common and will last from 5 minutes to 5 hours
    3. watch your stuff! You are in an extremely poor country and will be viewed as quite rich. Many people will have no problem helping themselves to your 'wealth'. (of course thats true everywhere, but there are WAY more poor people in Africa).
    4. DO NOT sit in an office all day, every day, get out, see the country and/or continent. Africa and it people are amazing.
    5. Remember, people here are from a different culture, watch what you say and do until you know better.

    That should cover the first little while :-)

    Gregor

    1. Re:Power, Heat, People by itwerx · · Score: 3, Informative

      look into getting extra-immunized against diseases that are widespread (and even not so widespread) down there.


      And be sure to get started (i.e. visit your local travel health center) at least 6 months ahead of time, (a year would be better) as some immunizations and whatnot require multiple doses with a long waiting period in between. You do NOT want to get your visa denied just because your missing some stinkin' vaccination... :)

  2. Good start! by Roadkills-R-Us · · Score: 3, Informative
    In addition...
    1. Be careful of strangers unless in public (e.g., be wary of taxis); see #3 above.
    2. You will find a lot of hospitable, giving people; they may be a bit offended if you reject their hospitality. This can conflict with #1 here, but that's life.
    3. Finding a local mentor will help immensely.
    4. Expect to not be able to find a lot of things you can easily get here, such as PopTarts.
    5. Talk to a travel bureau about clothing, etc.
    Caveat: I haven't been personally, but have several friends who have been within the past year. These suggestions are based on their stories of their trips.
  3. Come back alive by putko · · Score: 2, Informative

    He's got info: http://www.comebackalive.com/df/dplaces/rwanda/ind ex.htm

    --
    http://www.thebricktestament.com/the_law/when_to_s tone_your_children/dt21_18a.html