So, let's start there. We have the 5 groups set up now, for the 5 computers we currently have in our possession (two of which are a special desktop system with two monitors, keyboards and mouses). 3 of the computers are laptops that were donated by James Arnott, my brother Denny, and D. Quan, so I want to thank them so much for their donations. Their computers are already seeing action, as you can see in the photos below. Note that these are fresh photos taken by the field workers. This is another payoff to my visit to India, as I showed the workers how to compress photos so they could send them over their slower internet connection.
The three new groups where the laptops are being employed are in the villages of Pando, Amloda, and Kukrela. The first two groups, employing the dual desktop system, are in Barwara and Mohan Gujar ki Dhani. I don't have numbers for the three new groups, but a few weeks back the numbers for Barwara group were 13 girls and no boys, and for Mohan Gujar ki Dhani it was 18 girls and 13 boys. We are trying to get the girls' groups started first, as perhaps the biggest sub-theme of all of our work is women's empowerment. As I've said in the past, I am exceedingly happy that there has not been much resistance to getting the girls in these youth technology groups, as I was expecting to have to fight for it given the how socially conservative the village area in Rajasthan is. I think this is a testament to the work that Rohitash and Gopal have done in the area, especially with micro-finance groups, as these have brought women out into the open and given them more of a voice. Given the recent report put out by the TrustLaw ranking India as one of the top 5 worst places for women, this is crucial work being undertaken by very experienced workers who were doing this before it was widely recognized as being so important. I'm very happy to have Rohitash and Gopal on the LSS staff.
As for the technology group in general, we have found very positive responses from the students, their parents, and even a school official from a local school that one of the workers talk to. They all see the need for this computer education to give their students a leg up. The parents are sending their boys and girls and are excited for the program. The students are excited to learn about computers and are working hard in the classes. So, we're very happy about the positive feeling to start the program, which is never a given when you introduce something new. We are working on sustaining this positive feeling by developing strategies for how we'll run the classes when the students are in school (it's summer break in India right now as well) and by developing a time line for introducing new programs for the students to learn. The beginning progression will be paint, then word, then excel. After that the program is open and we'll have to think about what we want to do. However, I think the first three programs will be immensely helpful to students, especially those considering going to university. Something else I am look into is typing software like school-age kids in the US to do improve their typing speed. Based on my experience in India many typers are one finger typers, so such training would be useful. We are open to suggestion, so if you've read about something please let us know! The program will evolve over the next couple years as we try to find things that work and then try to apply for some grants or monies from businesses to support the model that emerges. So far, very happy with the results.
Another picture from our visit to Kukrela. This is when the women decided to dress Meg up in traditional Rajasthani clothing. Fun interaction.
Picture from Kukrela. I believe that is Grant Larsen's arm to the left.
Before I get onto US business, I wanted to mention that we have microfinance groups running in the 5 villages in which we have the computer groups and also the village of Berki. Some villages have multiple groups, as we limit the size to 20 members to keep them tractable. We will slowly expand into other villages, as there is a lot of demand already. We want to go slowly so that we operate within our current constraints and only expand as we have the human and capital resources. I think with the two workers we can probably support double, maybe triple the number of groups we have now, perhaps more. Also, I will be posting an example of the rules and regulations created by a specific microfinance group in the coming weeks. I have to translate a 4-page document from Hndi, so it'll take a little while but I think this will be useful for you to see.
Finally, on the US front we are getting some important work done. Meg is working on the website which we think will be up in July, so that'll be exciting. Much of what I've put on this blog will be formalized and put in specific spots on the website so that it'll be easier to access. I think we'll also have a spot for tracking the different loans that are being taken out by MFG members with perhaps accompanying photos.
Another exciting thing is that we have good momentum going on filing for non-profit status in CO, with plans to submit our papers on the weekend of the 4th of July. After this, if we get approval, we will work on getting 501(3)(c) status from the federal government, with hopes to get the paperwork submitted in September. Obviously all of this subject to many bumps along the way, but I'm investing some serious time on looking up the laws and regulations for non-profits and how we can make the transition from an informal organization to non-profit corporation. The process of setting up a transparent, efficient organization will surely be a learning process, but one that I look forward to greatly. I can think of no better use of my time.
That's it for all. I want to again thank all the people who have given to our organization. Your support is invaluable to our functioning (3 out of the 5 youth technology groups are running with donated laptops!) as an organization and I hope you enjoy the photos of your material support in action.
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