Geekcorps’ international technology experts teach communities how to be
digitally independent by expanding private enterprise with
innovative, appropriate, and affordable information and communication technologies.
31st July 2006
The Smart Technology for a Smarter Business Program, a highly practical training curriculum that enables small business owners to build a smarter business with technology, is now available for download in Spanish from the Smarter Seminars website.
A hearty thanks to the Making Cents Consortium, Making Cents International, IESC Geekcorps, MediaSpark, and the program sponsor, Hewlett Packard.
Posted in Programs, News, SmarterSeminars | No Comments »
31st July 2006
In “Miracle in Mali,” an article in the Spring 2006 Wilson Quarterly, former U.S. Ambassador to Mali Robert Pringle discusses how “despite persistent poverty and ongoing turmoil in neighboring states, in a single decade Mali has launched one of the most successful democracies in Africa.” The article goes on to talk about how it has done so, covering diverse topics such as the “joking relationships” between descendants of slaves and descendants of slave owners, the Malian “national mythology,” and the multitude of independent newspapers (unfortunately prohibitively expensive for average Malians).
Posted in Programs, Mali | No Comments »
Geekcorps is a division of the International Executive Service Corps.
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Papou Coulibaly is young boutique owner in Ouélessébougou. Previously, Geekcorps partnered with Papou to create a Cybertigi - an Internet access point for the local community via a wireless link to a Community Information & Learning Center (CLIC).
The Cybertigi proved to be a very successful experiment, becoming popular with first time Internet users who found Papou’s mini-cyber both affordable and accessible. Unfortunately, after several months of Cybertigi operation the CLIC lost its Internet connection and Papou returned his equipment back to the CLIC.
Undeterred, Papou Coulibaly saw the potential for offering offline ICT services in Ouélessébougou and went about creating a unconnected cyber café at his boutique. Using the Geekcorps’ Cybertigi design, Papou acquired three computers, a laser printer, scanner, digital camera, photo printer, a Bluetooth adapter, speakers and a headset, even building a permanent metal shelter for his cyber café boutique.
