Congratulations Mapesh!

Mapesh has finished his degree in Primary Education at Lesotho College of Education. He got a first class. He will graduate on 27 November.

CONGRATULATIONS MAPESH!

Good work, we're proud of you.

Ketane Community Organization

The principal at Nohana Primary, Matlabe Teba, will be serving as our treasurer there. Welcome to the team, 'Ntate Matlabe!

Andrew is scheduled to leave Ketane in about two weeks, so he and Mapesh are working hard to get a lot of the organizing and building support done before he leaves.

Andrew and Matlabe have talked to the students' parents, and they are very supportive. Yea!

Alternative Sources of Computers

I'm checking out alternative sources for computers and hardware just in case the OLPCorps Africa grant doesn't work out. I found a nonprofit enterprise called Inveneo (www.inveneo.org) where we might be able to get basic computers that use very little power. They can even be loaded with the XO laptop OS and programs, so they'll be compatible with the XOs and will have the kid oriented programming.

Inveneo also provides technical advice on setting up a network, internet connection, and power system. I've made initial contact with them and received a request for more information. Even if we get the OLPCorps grant, I think we can still benefit from working with Inveneo on technical aspects of our project.

There is still hope!

Janissa

Determination

If OLPC decides to seriously alter or discontinue the OLPCorps Africa grants, we will adapt however we need to in order to get XO laptops to Ketane. If it means raising all the money ourselves, we will find a way. I can't let these kids down!

Scary email from OLPC

I received the following email in response to a question I had about how many laptops we could apply for. It implies that there may be serious changes to the grant program. Reading between the lines, I wonder if they might not discontinue the OLPCorps Africa program. I sure hope not! That would break a lot of hearts!!!

[note: bold highlighting is mine. Janissa]

Hi Janissa,

The 2010 program is still in development at this point. We're still evaluating if the 2009 style Corps should continue. We should be announcing the 2010 program soon. We'll announce these opportunities on the list serve below. Please let us know if you have any other questions.

Best,
Paul Commons

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Please join our mailing list to stay updated: http://lists.laptop.org/listinfo/Corps

Janissa

Students Name Their Project

I got word from Andrew that they've held a contest at Nohana Primary School for the students to name the project, and the teachers have selected a winner, "Our Treasure Highland Computer School." The winner will get an as-yet undisclosed prize. They've also designed a logo, but we're still eagerly waiting to see it. Good job, students!

Janissa

Nonprofit Formation, step 2

I got the articles of incorporation for our nonprofit, Laptops to Lesotho, notarized today, and I sent the by-laws to our new Secretary, Sarah Balcomb, to sign. We've got a third Director, Andrew Dernovsek. I am serving as President/Treasurer, just until we can find someone to be Treasurer.

The Idaho Nonprofit Center has been a great help. I couldn't have done it without them. They've made it so easy, it is actually fun, and we're making progress!

Janissa