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  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementBase::execute($args = [], $options = []) should either be compatible with PDOStatement::execute(?array $params = null): bool, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2244 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::key() should either be compatible with Iterator::key(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::valid() should either be compatible with Iterator::valid(): bool, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).

2023 Phase 2 [2023-11-19]

The last couple of weeks have found us deep in the midst of preparing the equipment for Reneal’s 2023 Phase 2.  We are so grateful to Apto Solutions (www.aptosoutions.com) for their incredible support of Reneal’s project benefitting the students in Tanzania!  We will be installing new computer labs in ten additional public secondary schools, thanks to their latest generous donation.  In addition, Apto Solutions donated desktop computers that will be deployed as Teacher-in-a-Box servers in another twenty Tanzania public secondary schools. 

Neal finished building the ten new servers a couple of weeks ago.  Since then, he has been working on a new feature for the Reneal system, a webserver and database “sandbox” that can be used by the students to learn about webpage development.  We hope to deploy it to all schools in February during the next round of system updates.  This is an exciting new capability to enhance students’ skill and knowledge.

Neal has also been working with the Teacher-in-a-Box (TIB) systems.  TIB is an Australian NGO (www.teacherinabox.org.au) that uses a computer and wireless to create a teacher and student “hot spot” to access a huge array of educational material.  They have created an integrated software package to host a big collection of educational content.  Neal is configuring the hardware provided by Apto Solutions and testing it with more powerful wireless routers to improve the range and capacity of the TIB system.  The TIB system is an exciting way for Reneal to share educational resources with more public secondary schools in Tanzania.  We are so grateful to TIB for the partnership!

Reneal is also very excited that we will be joining with our partner NGO Terrawatu (www.terrawatu.org) to install our second joint computer lab in Arusha, this at Mkonoo Secondary School.  Having a partner organization working directly with the schools is a big win, helping Reneal keep systems maintained and teachers trained.

Reneal Country Director David Nyangaka and I are working with government and verification organizations to comply with Tanzania’s new eco-levy policy, which came into effect in late May.  This policy is intended to reduce the amount of e-waste sent to Tanzania.  David and I continue to learn as we address the new requirements and paperwork to demonstrate functionality of the contents of this shipment.  We are making progress with the helpful advice we are receiving.

 [Photos: The Teacher-in-a-Box system with the desktop from Apto Solutions, Reneal computer lab servers]