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Max Q [2018-09-29]

It’s funny how quickly one transitions during a trip from the halfway point … to the point of anxiety.  Not the best analogy, but it feels a bit like a rocket reaching its maximum dynamic pressure, “Max Q” – for us, lots of work to do yet but options to readjust the schedule are diminishing.  We, especially Neal, are also feeling the fatigue of nearly constant effort.  Things always take longer than expected!  But we were thrilled this week that Reneal’s new computer technician, Robert Nyangaka, took on the challenge of the teacher orientation at Sokon II Secondary School.  It’s wonderful to have a team in Arusha now that can do the whole school installation process without Neal and me!

This week we finished the installation of the computer lab at Sokon II Secondary School, our third new school for 2018.  The Habari Node and Arusha Node Marie team was its usual amazing efficient and focused force, finishing the wiring in half a day.  We’re scheduled to do the final installation at Oldonyosambu Secondary School this coming week.  That will make 14 secondary schools here in Arusha District with Reneal systems, out of a total of 27!

This last week we also delivered a new server to Mlangarini Secondary School (a 2013 installation).  However the visit to Mlangarini brought the realization that we need to replace the network cabling there.  The original cabling was poor quality Cat5e and was routed in tight channels to the tables.  With the new server and new clients with faster network interfaces, connectivity reliability was not good.  Robert and Evance will return to Mlangarini a week from Monday to redo the cabling with the Super Users there, Mr. Martin, Mr. Novatus, and Mr. Moses.

Reneal School Liaison David Nyangaka has been busy with never-ending logistical support.  Neal still has to update the operating system and software on the servers for five existing schools, and David arranged to have these servers delivered here to Lutheran Centre.  While our room is crowded again with computer equipment, it is a relief to be able to work here in relative peace and quiet to do these upgrades.  Neal has made good progress this weekend on the upgrading work.

It is easy for me, in the midst of the work, to lose sight of the end goal.  After all, Neal and I rarely get to see the computers actually being used.  But it’s inspiring to hear from the school heads and community members how passionately they wish for their students to have access to technology.  And for the schools that already have labs, it is wonderful to learn how motivating it is for the students to have computers with which to learn.  Those things keep us pushing through the point of Max Q!

 [Photos: Reneal computer technician Robert Nyangaka leading teacher orientation training at Sokon II Secondary School]