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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."

10 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 takeya · · Score: 2, Insightful

      2 medical notes:

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

      find the local hospital and remember how to get there.

      Also, if the power is unreliable, make sure you bring a lot of books, or extra long life batteries for your laptop. And a UPS for any desktops you have there, the last thing you want happening is some bad data loss.

    2. 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... :)

    3. Re:Power, Heat, People by mrgrey · · Score: 2

      My brothers last trip to Africa landed him malaria. He was prescribed immunization pills before hand, but stopped taking them because they made him sick.

      If he had finished his presctiption he probably wouldn't be stuck with malaria for the rest of his life.

      --
      -Tolerate my intolerance
  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.
    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
  3. Re:If I were you... by pomo+monster · · Score: 2, Funny

    Where's your sense of adventure, man?

  4. have you thought this out? by linuxbert · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Please do not take this the wrong way. I admire anyone who goes out of their way to lend their skills and talents to people in need, but.,.

    Do you know any of the recent history of Rewanda? 10 years ago a large portion of the population was brutally hacked to death with macheties. "computer science" projects are, in my opininon, right at the bottom of the list fo things Rawanda needs. I undersatnd that there is a legitamate need for IT people to support aid agencies, and their work, but I doubt there are any projects that will benifit the people directly.

    My 2 pieces fo advice are:
      1. learn french. it is one of the most commonly spoken langauges in Rawanda.
    2.Read the book "Shake Hands with teh Devil" by Romeo Dallaire
    This book provides a brief history of the genocide in Rawanda, as well as valuable insights into how the people live.

    Radio is highly influential and accessable in Rawanda. Computers are not. modern technology will likely do little to help the average Rawanden's conditon to improve. Linux will not change their situation. Use your talents and skills to solve problems. Dont use fancy solutions - keep it simple and make it work.

    Most of all, good luck in your journey, and stay safe.

  5. 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.

  6. 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