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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."

2 of 56 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Good start! by infonography · · Score: 2, Interesting
    You have a few things they don't have and neither will you when you get there. Google.

    Before you go reseach research research. Also pick up a copy of Lucifer's Hammer by Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle. It is a well considered look at what a tech should face when suddenly being denied Tech. There are resources for getting you power, clean water and other things that are quite simple to do. If you do your research then you may be able to make due on much less then anyone thinks possible. They have all they need to do what you want, you can bring them the knowhow. One of the extra bits about being in a tech civiliasation is that you can gather knowledge quickly. Don't waste the time you have.

    --
    Sorry about the writing. Robot fingers, you know? Cliff Steele in DOOM PATROL #23
  2. Man... by Uber+Banker · · Score: 2, Interesting

    ...don't go to Rwanda. There are lots of great African countries, but most of them don't have a recent history of genocide. It was 10 years ago - you think that's a long time - well all the people that did it are still there, the same psychology that led up to the genocide still exists, and most perpetrators were not imprisoned.

    You may have "done some travelling" but you're about to choose one of the most troubled and dangerous countries on this planet - its not a week in Mexico.