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Making the rounds in Arusha [2020-02-05]

It’s been very busy here in Arusha for Reneal Team Tanzania.  We’ve (mostly) finished the MacBook workstation lab upgrade at Mlangarini Secondary School, and the second one at Enyoito Secondary School is pretty far along.  In the meantime, our team has visited six additional existing labs for repairs and assistance in beginning-of-the-school-year tasks.  We are also thrilled to report that internet was installed last Friday at Mlangarini Secondary School by our partners Arusha Node Marie and Habari Node.  Another highlight last week was meeting with the first batch of Reneal Scholars who received their completion certificates from Form 4 just last October.

Unseasonable rains have definitely complicated transportation to the schools, so we’ve been making some schedule changes to reduce the logistics challenges.  We’re up to version 4 of the schedule, and undoubtedly there are more changes to come.  Thank goodness we have a fantastic team here that is flexible and highly competent!  I have the utmost respect for the people driving us – sliding/grinding down a steep, rock-filled mud pit because the main road is blocked by a stalled truck is not for the faint of heart!  I find that I must assume a completely different mind-set here compared to how I approach life in the US.  It makes me appreciate that so many people around the world have unimaginable daily challenges and face so many forces beyond their control, and I deeply admire their resilience and good cheer in the midst of it.  How I wish Americans, even those who consider themselves “poor”, could realize how blessed they are.

Our team here has continued to divide and conquer to get our work done.  We are truly thankful for Reneal’s School Liaison David Nyangaka, Computer Technician Robert Nyangaka, and our new Assistant Computer Technician Erick Mneney.   We’ve had a few technical challenges, but in general things continue to go well.  We are also happy to be joined as usual by Evance Kessy of Arusha Node Marie.  ANM is a local NGO providing internet connections to schools and other public institutions.  The partnership between Arusha District, Habari Node, Arusha Node Marie, and Reneal is now almost 6 years old and still going strong!

We’ve been getting regular updates from Mr. Martin Modestus, one of the computer teachers at Mlangarini, on the use of the new MacBook lab there.  He’s shared problems, observations, and questions that have been extremely helpful.  I have to say, that lab is beautiful!  It’s so exciting now that they have internet as well.  We expect great things from the students there!

Meanwhile, Reneal Team Philippines has been on the move in Cebu.  Reneal Computer Technicians Lloyd and Ervin are presently in northern Cebu.  They will spend the week there visiting the existing schools in Medellin and Daanbantayan.  They are also installing a new computer lab in the library at Bakhawan National High School, thanks to a generous donation of desktop computers from Arm Corporation.  The final task in the north is a massive restructuring of the Reneal computers at Daanbantayan National High School.  Most of the computers previously deployed at DNHS are being moved into the library for research use by the students.  We are so grateful to Lloyd and Ervin for their hard work and skill.  It’s been a thrill to see these guys assume leadership roles in coordinating Reneal’s work in Cebu.  Sir Jade Reyes at Arcelo Memorial National High School continues to assist as a mentor and liaison as well.

Monday we’ll start the third MacBook lab installation, this at Mateves Secondary School.  We will also continue to visit existing schools.  Wednesday is a special treat, meeting up with the folks of “A is for Africa” at Mukulat Secondary School and Matim Primary School.  And at the end of the month, we’re hoping to join with our partners at Habari Node and Arusha Node Marie to do the new 2020 installations at Ngiresi Secondary School and Sambasha Secondary School.   So… lots to do yet, but we’re mostly on track.

 [Students at Mlangarini Secondary School in the new MacBook computer lab - photo by Mr. Martin Modestus]