Three Months On

In the tradition of quarterly reports, here's our own, non-traditional look back at the quarter since the launch.

It was just over three months ago that we arrived in Sironko with four laptops, a projector, a large dose of curiosity and no agenda.
Money in the kitty: $0.

Then we talked. To elders, teachers, kids, teens, parents - just about anyone who'd listen.

They told us that they really wanted the computers to stay - we had offered them the choice to say no.

So, we launched, in a building that the community donated.
Money in the kitty (thanks to YTF): $200.

Over the three months, we became more and more part of the community. We slept in the village, ate and drank together, shared laughs, played with the children, travelled squeezed together in the taxis, hung out with those our age, swapped stories, learnt about the hardships and shared in the joy.

And the community became more and more part of us. They came to learn, play and share, they helped paint, mop, varnish, sweep, teach, plan and they gave us suggestions, advice and encouragement.

And together we have been evolving, day by day, slowly losing any assumptions about what technology can or cannot do, what development is or isn't or what a young person in rural Uganda can or cannot achieve.

And we are discovering the awesome possibilities that arise when people come together - simply to explore what is possible.

Total contribution from friends, supporters and YTF spent so far: $1265 (The vast majority going towards laptop shipment, building renovation, the generator and furniture.)
Fees charged: $0 Salaries paid: $0 Overhead costs: $0 Money in the kitty today: $60

We don't know how to even begin quantifying what all of this has achieved. As one of the volunteers who grew up in the village said: "You don't know what is in my heart."

A very big thank you to all of you, scattered around the world, who have and continue to share your ideas, resources and thoughts with us.

Meet Oliver

An IT consultant, Oliver resigned from his job in London, to work as a VSO volunteer in Uganda, consulting for the Ministry of Local Government on ICT and management issues.

He came to know about SDV through the United Nations Online Volunteers portal, where YTF had published some posts seeking help.

The first meeting we had, at a cafe in Kampala, turned into a conversation that stretched for many hours late into the night. It was a crucial time for SDV as we were pondering some serious choices regarding the future direction. And Oliver's input has been invaluable in helping us navigate these unknown waters.

And as mentioned in earlier posts, SDV was lucky to host Oliver for a number of days recently. There were many more discussions and much syphoning of knowledge. Online volunteer is no longer an appropriate title - rather, we think of him as part of the family.

Oliver, how did you come to be in Uganda?

What? Where am I? Uganda you say? How the deuce did I get here?! This question has a LOOOOONG answer and I'm not sure I fully understand it myself. The short answer is - because I could.

What do you think about your life in Uganda?

Wonderful. Simple. Pure. Relaxed. Happy. Completely different to what I had been led to believe.

What was your experience in Sironko like?

Magical. There was a moment, when I first walked into Sironko Digital Village, when the phrase "Bridge the digital divide" suddenly made sense. Equipment normally used only by those wealthy enough to afford it, was being used by those who must grow their own food. As you read this, under-privileged Ugandans, young and old, are learning valuable skills and knowledge that would otherwise be completely out of reach to such a remote, under-resourced part of our world.

But this says nothing about the commitment and responsibility demonstrated by the community and the volunteers. The passion and dedication with which the volunteers go about their jobs gives me a great deal of hope - not just for SDV, but for all of rural Africa. It felt like Sironko has been ready for a project like this forever. They know, better than anyone, the benefits that SDV is bringing and will do everything possible to keep the systems running and the doors open.

Any critical input for SDV?

Nothing more than petty details that would make me sound like my Dad (the floor is dirty, that table's wonky, what's that chicken doing, who's in charge here?).

I have been involved with many 'Charity' organisations in the year I've been here. What is truly unique about SDV is that it is TOTALLY community driven. The foreigners are not calling the shots, they do what they are asked. Sironko will decide what it wants from SDV and this should be preserved at all costs!

Why do you volunteer?

Because it gives me a chance to go places and experience things that one cannot do any other way.

Care to share any impressions of the SDV volunteers on the ground?

If I were Pope, I would make all the current SDV volunteers Saints. What is happening is nothing short of miraculous. Yet the humility with which they work is staggering and their motivation utterly selfless. I have the highest respect for all of them.

How do you hope to be part of the SDV journey going forward?

I want to help build SDV, using blueprints drawn by the community.

Let's get personal.

Something about yourself - I'm difficult
Your background - Used to take things apart and put them back together
Your experiences - People are the same all over the world.
Your likes - Food
Dislikes - Authority
Things or people who inspire you - Music & legends
Memorable moments in your life - Meeting every one of my best friends

... and my favourite colour is blue ...

Oliver, your words give us much encouragement, and having you as part of the team gives us more confidence when looking to the future. We look forward to seeing you again in Sironko, hopefully soon!

Bringing A Computer Back To Life: A Milestone

What happens after the training? Are the skills gained even relevant?

These are some questions that we grapple with. The answers are not simple or readily evident. Though, in exploring these questions some interesting possibilities come into view.

A nursing school, not far from SDV, had a computer that was gathering dust, and they asked us if we could help fix it.

A couple of volunteers at SDV, Aloysius and Rogers, readily took on the task. With guidance from Oliver, a volunteer who was visiting SDV for some days, they diagnosed the problem, found spare parts to replace the faulty ones, and returned a working machine.

It might be a small step, but it was a big moment for us. It was the first time that the knowledge sharing that SDV facilitates, was put into practical use outside of SDV.

"It was a great challenge."
"I'm supposed to solve it, but, how am I supposed to solve it."
"I learnt a lot."
- Aloysius

"I enjoyed it so much."
"I wish there were three more computers that were broken down."
- Rogers

The World On The Wall

One day, we were staring at the large white-washed walls, and someone wondered out loud: "Why don't we paint a map of the world on the wall?".

"Yes, why not?".

We chose a miniature world map in a book as a model, and set to work the very same day.

Over the next month, in our spare time, in what was often a meditative process, we drew the outline of the map with a pencil, then etched it into the wall with a nail and traced it again with a paint brush.

And last week, we added to the map, the countries of friends who have helped and are helping shape SDV.

• Uganda
• Nigeria
• USA
• Sri Lanka
• India
• Pakistan
• Belgium
• England
• Japan

Meet Sam

In our next istallment of the Meet Us series, we would like to introduce you to Sam.

Kisolo Sam is a twenty-two year old SDV volunteer who has been there since the day we received the keys to the building.

He has contributed in every possible way imaginable – from painting, to teaching to helping with planning and decision making regarding SDV and its future.

He is a Developmental Studies major at the Islamic University (all religions welcomed), in the neighbouring Mbale district and has just left us to continue his studies.

"The struggle continues – two more years to go."

Sam, you have lived in Buhugu almost all your life. In fact, your house is just down the path from SDV. What do you like most about this village?

There is a lot of interaction and company from my friends, parents, brothers and sisters. And life is as simple and cheap as it appears.

What do you enjoy doing to pass time?

I like playing and watching soccer and also listening to music. My favourite is country music, hip hop and Ugandan music.

I would also one day like to travel to different parts of the world and find out more.

Why did you choose to volunteer at SDV?

It looked necessary for me to be part of SDV by volunteering because SDV looked a program that had an objective of making the youths realise their potential in a technological world.

So, having been a student at the university and still not knowing much about the computer world, I became the first client of SDV.

And after learning something, I felt like I should also transfer that knowledge to another eager person who is yearning to learn.

What are some of the major challenges you face as a young person from Sironko?

My biggest challenge at the moment is how I will complete my education at the university. Not that I can’t read the books, but the challenge is the financial status, since it is expensive. [Smiles.]

Also, life after school is going to be very hard. The job market is full of many degree holders that are looking for jobs.

So, that is why I have a dream that I may also continue with my studies in IT, having been challenged by those who have prospered in this field.

You will be returning to the university shortly. How will you continue to be part of SDV?

I am studying in Mbale district that has got a lot of access to the whole world through the Internet as compared to Sironko that surely lacks this.

So, I can volunteer by coordinating communication between those at SDV and the volunteers and supporters outside of Uganda.

You are an SDV volunteer, an SDV student and also a community member. What do you think about the future of SDV?

Right form the launch of SDV, the community has had a very positive attitude towards it that it even offered a free building for SDV to carry out its programs.

Consultative meetings have been held over time with the community members to confirm the stand of SDV. An advisory committee has been appointed and all efforts have been put in place to run SDV.

This really shows that SDV will stay for a long time and has a very positive future. I really say thanks to YTF and its coordinators that of all places they chose Sironko.

So, please, whoever is willing, come let us build SDV!

Sam, we wish you all the best in your studies, and we will surely miss you.

Music, Dancing And A Chicken

Last week, SDV saw a number of people come and go. New friends were made and some old ones bid goodbye.

Charles, whose brainchild is SDV, visited from Kampala over the weekend. Oliver travelled from Bushenyi in Western Uganda, and stayed for the better part of the week.

Sam headed back to university and Sri, who came to Sironko for one month and ended up staying for almost three, left for the US.

On Thursday, the usual program at SDV was suspended, and instead we played movies (The Gods Must Be Crazy I and II) and music videos.

And later in the day, in a moving farewell, we said some goodbyes. As per tradition, the occasion included music and dance performed by a group of women, young and old.

(You might have to turn up the volume a bit to hear this clip.)

And the parting gift was a chicken! It was an inspired choice, as some of the volunteers had been rather fixated on the chicken in the villages - such as how there seems to be one in almost all the outdoor photos, not to mention the many that scratch around SDV and sometimes wander in.

What will happen to the chicken? We are not entirely sure yet, but it has become a mascot of sorts for now.