[linuxola] evalutaions of the bamenda ltsp project

[Michel Pauli]

hello all,

i send here evaluations of the project. why so late: i explain it in my
evaluation. students of the project write their evaluation too. we try to build
a group, which really want to continue, really want to go further with
solidarity and want that the informations are open.

as we (with we i mean the sutdent and i) write it,  we want to continue, but on
better basis, the first point is to have openinformation, what it should be
clear in a opensource project and democratic structure, that why i support this
way where ervery body write, speak what she / he really thinking, with all
contradictions we had, have. Only a frankly, open diskussion can help us to
avoid such a situation where people of the same project go to court.

we hope that the people, who want to make solidarity, take part of this kind of
open and frankly discussion.
we are ready to discuss all the problems with the people wha are interested,
especially for the people, who want to continue a solidarity project in africa,
where it is so needed.

if i forget somebody, please mail me it.

as attach the same as html file


michel



 
Evaluation of the ltsp-cameroon in Bamenda
Summary
It takes a too long time to make this evaluation: here the main reasons: the
problems after my departure from Cameroon were too big for me: so I loose hope,
I was really down and I need a long time to find energy. the second reason is:
students ask me to continue, but I did not want to continue the same way, so I
want a collective process between the people, who want to continue and such
process take a lot of time.

First I want to thanks all who help to realize this project, especially the
people in Bamenda, the work done there is great. I want to thank especially
Catherine, who struggled a lot. Without her work and energy the project will not
succeed at all.
I concentrate this evaluation to LTSP part of the project, because it was the
main project, and the other projects like biogas, radio and sodis water project,
we had no time to really start such project.
What were the goals...
The project was a part of solidarity work between people in Europe and Africa
the main goal was to give a little help against the so called digital gap
between south and north and middle cheap technology and open source, give the
possibility to use, understand and develop the computer technology. See links
... And what are the concrete result

The project was not a success:
As far as I know an ltsp network is still working, but it is not successful: not
because of the technical questions, but because this project did not spread
solidarity between the people involved, in contrary: instead of developing the
project, a part of the project leaders struggle for the ownership of the
computers, until to go to court and I will never accept this kind of "solution"
in a solidarity project. but on the other part, some students want to continue
on other basis and mistakes can turn to positive part, if we are willing to
learn of it.
The ltsp Cameroon project: a short history
Preparation in Switzerland
We prepare this project during months in Switzerland , because ltsp was new for
every body. After two (2) public meetings, we find contacts and interested
people for this project and a little money too. For me it was clear, that I only
do such project with people from, in this case, Africa: with Felix we work
together and in this way it was possible to start the project: he made the
contact and preparation for Cameroon and I prepare the contact, material here in
Switzerland.
; The team work with Felix was ok and that's why we could start the project
unfortunately it changes later, as you can read further.
In Cameroon ...
I arrived at 2 am in the night in Douala and the next day at nearly 11 am, we
start the trip to Bamenda with Catherine and George. In the evening, it was
already dark, we arrive in Bamenda.
First days in Bamenda I made contact with Raymond, Jonas, and other. we meet
with M. Nsom
Very soon I had to take notice that the internet connection was not good:
concrete it means that a mail takes sometimes more than one hour and it was not
sure if it was sended or not. Why? The reasons are not clear, what is clear: the
problem came from the wireless connection. The connection was a 5 GHz. The
connection direct under the satelite dish was very good. But we were in the town
(computer planet). So it is clear that the difficulties came from the wireless
connection.
conclusion: if we want internet we must not only bring computer, but we must
care about how to get a good connection (satelite, fiber glass) and how to
spread the signal (wireless, ronja ...)
I try to build an ltsp server with machine from the computer planet office: but
it was not successful: memory problem and graphic problem.

conclusion: to use material from Cameroon is not easy, and when we have no good
internet connection it is difficult, to find the solution, so again a good
connection can solve many problems and a support from Europe, USA or elsewhere
could help a lot, they have material but it must be tested but here again: it
means a good internet connection

Monday 17.4.2006: first lesson, I gave so called crash-course, because it was
anyway no time to give a complete Linux course for 2 reasons:
- Nobody knew Linux and also in windows was the knowledge very basic, some of
the student know office, some not even that
- the goal was, that people can install a ltsp server, so the knowledge was
concentrate to reach this goal

In the beginning it was a big problem with the language: I heard (not directly,
but indirectly: that they have many difficulties to understand me. When we know
each other better, they tell me, that they don't understand very well the
language of the white people. I try to make the students active, so one student
writes her experiences in the forum.
The first lessons were to explain what is Linux, open source and one the most
important thing in the open source community: share the knowledge.
; The material was not there, so the lessons were too theorical.
the following lessons were on hardware, concentrate on what is for LTSP
important: network card, memory, ...

conclusion: it is very difficult to explain what is a computer, when we don't
have computer, so it is better to begin the teaching, when the material is here

Visit in Fudong:
Fudong is a little village near a big hospital. It was written in the project to
install an ltsp in the school. The school is outside the village. They prepare a
room where the door could be locked, but there wasn’t electricity. I told Mr.
NSom that will not possible to install ltsp without electricity.

Conclusion: it is necessary to give the requirements for installation, but it
does not mean, that these requirements will there: so we need a group, which
know how to install ltsp and they could say it the project can be done or not.

Just under the satellite connection we made internet radio and it was very good
ambiance, we were help from the personal of internet cafe in this place
(Guarantee park mile one – up station, Bamenda).
so long the material was not there we made investigation about bio gas, there is
a big resource for it, but it needs to build a specific project.
One day we hear that the materials  was in Douala . It should be removed from
the port because we have to pay for each day it stays there. Catherine decides
to go in Douala . It was a very nervous time. She was working very hard. Mr.
Nsom was supposed to go with her, but he does not go. This was a difficulty more
for Catherine, because the material was on the name of Mr. NSom. We had all of
kind of problems one of them was the money and the contact with Switzerland was
not good at all. It was a week full of stress, every day other information was
coming in Bamenda. After a week the material came.
We made a very big fiesta we dance altogether in a little restaurant. Everybody
was happy (Ayaba is the little restaurant where people go there to dance, and
eat. Those who accompanied Michel where Catherine, Benjamin, Mr. Nsom, and
George)
Installation: in rush tempo...
So we begin to build the ltsp network. It was not very difficult, strange was:
all boot floppy does not start, we have to make new ones.
Conclusion: we should have good floppies and / or the solution with boot
Ethernet card would be very good
after a few days the first ltsp network was installed. At the beginning it was
difficult to coordinate the work with the students: it was 2 groups: the group
of computer planet and the group for Mr. Nsom school. But later the students
really ask to come to work. Apart of it, some students came even on Sunday to
work. The majority in the course were women. Some of them came begin in the
morning and all begin at 4 until 6, but most of the time we stay until 7 or 8 or
later.
The second network was not installed, because it was window machine in the room
and we try to install them as thin client, but it fails most of them because of
the graphic card. They do not want to stop the office course, so we don't
install the second ltsp network: I think it was a mistake and I made a mistake
not to make more pressure to install it...
conclusion we are working on a 12 volts computer, it would be a great help, to
have such machines, not only for ltsp but the interest will be big, because the
internet cafe is not working, when the electricity fails and it happened very
often
we install a test ltsp network with a server with a removable hard disk, so the
student can test to install ltsp, install other software. So we install 1 times
ltsp, some were not successful, for the reason, that the current fall down
during the installation. At the end, some of the student can install one ltsp
network, without my help.
Conclusion it is very important to install and test network with different hard
disk, where the student can test, install reinstall, and so on and so on.
It was much easier to explain what is an ip number, what is dns, dhcp when the
machines were there. The lessons were interesting, and the students participate
actively. It was a big gap: some of the students were very skill and some had
very big difficulty: the most used software was touch. A program to learn
typing. As projected we build a tst server with a removable hard disk. so we
install ltsp many times and some of the student install it alone: there too, we
made a wiki
It was very difficult to introduce other way of learning: so they came with
paper and pencil and take note: I try to introduce another way: instead that
every body takes note, we make a wiki and put it on, so every body can use it.
But very soon they see the big advantages to write a documentation on the
internet. Now we made our own how to and write it on the following address ...

conclusion we should have a mixed form: a learning course in paper, because it
was not easy for them to change from the paper to wiki.

unfortunately mediawiki was not installed locally, it is very important, because
we can use it when the connection is not there and it was many times the case. I
install it, but it takes a long time and I have to start again many times
because of the connection or electricity which falls down.

conclusion we should install a mediawiki on each ltsp server local: so we can
work, even if the internet connection is not available and have it on CD.
what is the main question now?
as I write it before: the main mistake is not technical, but the lack of
solidarity. so now it is important to know, how we can reach the goal, I mean
how to make a real solidarity action? a very difficult question some people say,
that we should make very clear with contract and so on who belongs the material,
who has responsibility, and so on and so on. for me only this method it is not
the good way: in case of conflict what we can do with a good contract in the
hand? go to the court? No I will never go to court and the bad example now shows
that it is not the way we must find people, who want to make a solidarity work
and they exist as the mails I receive how it. Open source I told them
repeatedly: open source is not only a technical question, but a way of working
together, learning together and the main mistake I have in Cameroon is: not able
to explain, convince all people involved to do a solidarity work, a base of the
open source movement.

we need to know what where why, where the computer technology can be a help for
the people in Africa : that's why it was important to make radio, to study how
to make biogas, how to have good water: all this information can be found on the
internet. but we must know much more what how the people in Africa can use the
computer technology like e-learning program, how to build a web server, how to
build a mail server: so the people have the technical possibility to express
themselves. this is a big job, for all the people, who want to continue the
project.

In Switzerland we need a group, who follows and help the group in Africa . It
was one the weakest part of the project. so we make a forum, but nobody from
Switzerland take part. we made radio, but nobody takes part, except people form
Indy media and in the beginning the people of the chaos group, the group, which
was kicked out!!! we had many difficulties with the money and it was not clear
what happens, until today: I never receive an account of the project and the
same people shout loud for more professionalism. so now I am looking for
solidarity people here to build such a group.
one project can go bad even die and in reality many projects go wrong, but the
solidarity will never die!


AN EVALUATION OF THE COMPUTER TRAINING PROGRAMME ON THE LINUX TERMINAL SERVER
PROJECT IN BAMENDA NORTH WEST PROVINCE CAMEROON BY NGAINKU CHANCELINE, 23RD
SEPTEMBER 2006
 
 
INTRODUCTION
Solidarity which was the watch word for the Linux project in Cameroon was a
premeditated dream to come true by the solidarity movement – Switzerland . Was
it realized? This is a one million dollar question which needs to be answered.
 
The intention of this free and good will programme from Switzerland was to help
train they young, the needy and poor Cameroonians to develop skills in the
present world of information technology using the Linux Terminal Server
Technology which is cheaper, advanced and more reliable.
 
The three months programme started on 24th of April 2006 in Bamenda – North West
Province with Pauli Michel as facilitator.
 
During the first month of the programme the facilitator drilled the students on
the introductory lesson on computer hardware (basic components of the computer)
and computer software(applications). Practical lessons carried towards the end
of the course because the machines (computers) did not arrived Cameroon in time
from Switzerland . Lessons on networking and the Ltsp Cameroon programme were
also taught.
 
Classes were schedule from 4:00pm to 6:00pm daily that is from Monday to Friday.
 
The facilitator constantly report twice a month to his home country Switzerland
the events of project carried out in Bamenda. Discussions included the Biogas,
20th of May events, crime wave, the blind ministry, and the problems faced in
carrying out the project and others.
 
 
SUCCESSES OF THE LINUX TERMINAL SERVER PROJECT IN BAMENDA
1.       The lessons taught in theory were a great success, well understood and
appreciated by the students.
2.       Student’s participation in classroom was encouraging and commendable.
3.       The students were punctual and time cautious.
4.       Course handouts were ready and in time for the students, thus the
reason for good participation by students.
5.       The facilitator was patient enough to welcome questions, suggestions,
as well as proposals from the students.
6.       He did not fail to encourage the weak students especially the female
students.
7.       The health of the facilitator was good thus doing an excellent job in
teaching. He had a good mastery of the subject matter and classroom control.
 
 
ABSTRACTS
The installation and training of the Linux programme was done using the
internet. The practical lessons were saved in the home page after which it was
printed out as handouts for students.
 
This way of learning using the internet was enjoyable, interesting, teachable,
exciting, and captivating.
 
LIMITATIONS OF THE PROGRAMME
1.       The time limit for the facilitator in Cameroon was too short for him to
carryout his training programme. This gives a reason for the rush during his
last two weeks for practical classes.
2.       The equipments arrived Cameroon late, thus late start of the actual
practical classes on the Linux programme.
3.       The cost of clearing the goods at the Douala port was too expensive
thus defeating the purpose for solidarity gestures from our loving nations.
4.       The constant light failure was a big handicap especially during
installations, the need for an automatic standby generator.
5.       Mobility within the town was difficult and given the season which was
rainy. There was a great need for a vehicle for the facilitator and perhaps the
students.
6.       There was acute shortage of chairs and tables for the students.
7.       The classroom space was too small at the liking of the students and
facilitator. Congestion made learning very difficult and unattractive.
8.       The room was even too small to accommodate the computers.
9.       The was lack of cooperation and understanding between Catherine and Mr.
Nsom Daniel. This misunderstanding brought in a lot of confusion thus defeating
the purpose for the project in Cameroon .
10.   For the first two weeks, students found it difficult understanding Michel
ascent. That is, the way Michel pronounces English words.
 
 
RECOMMENDATIONS

   1. A permanent structure or house be constructed to host the programme and
the facilitators in Cameroon . This house will serve as an office, classroom and
the residential area for the facilitator.
   2. Chairs, tables, writing board, be put in place to facilitate learning.
   3. A small vehicle be bought for the facilitator to facilitate movement.
   4. Learning manuals and other assorted material be put in place well in
advance before the commencement of training.
   5. An automatic generator be bought for the training center in case light
failure.
   6. Proper organization and planning be put in place before the commencement
of the next programme to avoid the case which happened during the start of the
programme between Mr. Nsom Daniel and Ngalla Catherine. This will solve the
problems that arises for the greed of people who don’t want help the poor and
the needy.
   7. In case trainees have to move from one station to another, there will be a
need for a bus to transport them. This will be cheaper given that transport
services here in Cameroon are expensive.

 
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

    * Apart from normal classroom work and assignments, once in a while, the
facilitator (Michel) took the students for launch, that is, during break periods
in school. This really stimulated the students and also their interest in
studying the Linux programme. This gesture is rare among teachers in Cameroon
and was highly welcome by all the students.

 

    * The facilitator sometimes walk on foot from school to his home at “Ntabesi
quarters Nkwen” inorder to have a good look and mastery of the town and its very
many activities.

 

    * He (Michel) encourages the students especially those that are week to take
studies seriously.
    * He went for worship at the Presbyterian Church – Ntabesi in Nkwen. This
was quite commendable, encouraging and most welcomed in Cameroon .

 
 
CONCLUSION
When hope is crushed, trust and confidence is also lost. Its our cry that as the
starting point of this programme to an extend was a failure, due to greediness
from an individual, the trainees of the programme are pleading that the hope
bestowed on them should not be lost. Just as God exposes the evil people to
shame, in the same way has the Almighty exposed the individual who wanted to
bring to an end the good will gesture from Switzerland . It was God’s making to
help one understand the subtle nature of the human being full of greed and
dishonesty. It was just a call for precaution. We thank God He intervened just
in time. Perhaps things would have been worst than this.
 
We count on your good will gesture and plead for renewed confidence to still
extend your hand of solidarity to our poor and desperate people who are looking
up to you for assistance. It is our desire that this solidarity gesture should
come to stay in Bamenda - North West Province and why not all of Cameroon .
 
 
 
 
Submitted by:
 
Ngainku Chanceline




FON STELLA
 
When Michel came to cameroon , he told us that the project was for solidarity
work for the people of europe and africa , on monday 17April 2006 he started
with the first lesson , he gave us crash- course . This progran was new to us ,
after some few days the first ltsp net work was installed .At the begining it
was difficult for the students to study because there was two group fo students
one in computer planete and the group of mr nsom . most of the students were
women , classes usually start at 4pm and ends at 6pm some times 7to 8pm. we
learn about dns dhcp and the ip number
                shortcomings of the ltsp
-some of the probems we face was light failure during installation
-we also had a problem to understand the way michel speak in the first few weeks
-The late arrival of the materials was another big problem because it was
difficult to study without practicals
-A big problem too was lack of solidarity amongst the project leaders who were
struggling to own the materials and now they are in court because they want to
share the materials for selfish reasons
           Advantages
-we were introduced to a new program
-Michel was a good teacher because he was patient and could listen to the
students
-the students were always present in class and participate so much on the
lessons
                   To conclude i will like to say that if michel should come
back on a different base it would be very good , because he will make a good
foundation of ltsp in cameroon



 
 
SHY PRISCA
                     The ltsp project was an interesting one but since i was
busy when the program came to cameroon , i wanted to be in the second batch of
students , but unfortunately i notice the program was no more going on when
michel left.i was told the project can not continue any more because the team
leaders of the project does not want solidarity but they want to share the
materials among themselves and again they are in court because they do not agree
with each other. so i think michel should come back and continue withe the
project because many young cameroonians are interested in the classes , they
want to learn ltsp.