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Looking back and ahead [2019-12-28]

In a massive blast of activity this past month, Neal has just about completed all of the software development needed for the new MacBook workstation system.  Although I’m surely biased, I will say that it is a beautifully integrated, robust set of capabilities that will make the MacBook lab operation, maintenance, and updating easy.  It was touch and go, but it’s looking like we’ll be ready for full deployment of the MacBook workstation labs when we head to Tanzania next month! 

2020 plans [2019-12-08]

Since the last blog post, the Reneal Board of Directors held their semi-annual meeting.  Neal and I are extremely grateful for their guidance, support, and advice!  The Board has approved the 2020 work plan for Tanzania, which commences in a few short weeks.  The Board also approved continuation of Reneal’s scholarship programs in both Tanzania and the Philippines.  We are now full speed ahead in preparing for our next in-country projects.

MacBook immersion [2019-11-06]

Thanks to a generous donation from VMware, Reneal has been developing a new computer lab architecture based on MacBook workstations.  We got far enough along in this work to be able to deploy two pilot MacBook “mini-labs” during our 2019 visit to Tanzania.  These labs are for the exclusive use of advanced-level students at two of our existing schools.  We are looking forward to returning to Arusha in January 2020 for more MacBook deployments.  This development is exciting, challenging work, with the potential payoff of improved performance for the students using these MacBook-based systems.

A day in the life [2019-10-31]

One of the joys of working for Reneal is being a part of Teams in the Philippines and Tanzania that work together to support the students and teachers at the schools served by Reneal.  Thanks to Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, Neal and I have instant communication with Team members in both countries.  We strategize together, plan together, manage the flow of equipment together, and solve problems together.  We are so grateful for these dedicated partners that help Reneal achieve its mission!

Tanzania 2019 Wrap-up [2019-10-20]

Reneal’s 2019 projects in Tanzania, long planned and awaited, are now complete.  Below is a summary of our final report provided to Arusha District and Arusha Region.  Thanks so much to our generous donors and to our partners at the Arusha District Council, Arusha Regional Office, Habari Node, and Arusha Node Marie – we couldn’t have done it without you!  And of course a huge THANK YOU to our partners in the schools, the school heads and computer teachers who bring Reneal’s resources to the students.  Now we begin the planning for 2020!

Last few days [2019-10-12]

This last week was busy, traveling to five different schools.  We made visits to three of our 2018 computer lab installations: Kimnyaki Secondary School, Kiranyi Secondary School, and Sokon II Secondary School.  Thursday we were at Mringa Secondary School, one of our 2015 installations.  Friday found us back at Olturumet Secondary School to orient all teachers on their new Reneal system.  And Friday night was the annual Team Celebration with our partners from Habari Node and Arusha Node Marie.  It was a whirlwind, and we are so grateful to the schools and to Reneal School Liaison David Nyangaka for helping us get to each school.

Making the rounds [2019-10-07]

The 2019 installation work in Tanzania is now finished!  We still have teacher orientation to do at the last installation, Olturumet Secondary School, but otherwise we’re focused on completing visits to each of the existing schools.  Given the difficulty of getting to many of the schools, we allocate a day for each.  Neal makes updates to the server computer, and Robert, Evance, and I do repairs as needed on the client computers.  It’s a chance to meet with the Super Users to hear their questions, concerns, and successes.  It is always such a pleasure to reconnect with our Super User colleagues!

One to go [2019-09-29]

Just one more new computer lab to install this year!  We will travel to Olturmet Secondary School Wednesday to begin the work.  We’ll be joined by our partners from Habari Node and Arusha Node Marie, who make our work so much easier.  This past week we finished two installations, including our second MacBook workstation lab for the A-Level students at Mlangarini Secondary School.  We also installed a computer lab at Olokii Secondary School, and we’ll return to Olokii this coming week for the teacher orientation. 

Mid-Point [2019-09-21]

The busy schedule here in Tanzania has continued since the last blog post.  We completed installation and training at Einoti Secondary School, so we’re halfway done with our planned 2019 expansion.  This coming week brings another two lab installations, along with visits to existing labs.  Slowly but surely, we’re making progress toward our trip goals.  We couldn’t do it without our partners: Arusha District Council, Arusha Region, Habari Node, Arusha Node Marie, and of course Reneal Team Tanzania!

News from Arusha [2019-09-10]

It’s already our third week here in Arusha!  The first week was a whirlwind, with visits to four schools and installation of two new computer labs.  It was really a joy to be joined by Reneal Board Member Steve Guerzon and his wife Pam Metcalf.  Just like last year when Board members Sharon Fingold and Katherine Yen (and spouses Antonio Martinez and Marcus Lee) visited Tanzania, the new perspectives are invaluable.  Thank you Steve and Pam!  And of course we are thrilled to be back together with Reneal Team Tanzania!

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