FORGE Peace Education and Computer Training

Project Update: Field Project from June 2010

June Update as Reported by FORGE's Project Manager in Meheba:

Jean put in an impressive performance in May without Odila. He is working hard, taking initiative with his classes, and generally working extremely hard. The Site Manager is proud of his progress and initiative, and knows it bodes well for the future of PECT! The US Embassy grant is also still forthcoming but very promising. The completion of the Grant will go a long way towards seeing the vision of the Teachers realized.

What the Future Holds:
Interviews were held on the 15th of June in order to begin the new intake. 16 Pupils were selected, with the hope that they all continue as successful students. There are three women and four nationalities represented. This information will be reflected in the next report.

A Wish:
PECT is badly in need of new computers. Although Citizen Effect is not asking for computer donations, if there is an interest in providing computers then the Citizen Effect team would be more than happy to connect you to FORGE. Currently there is only 1 machine operating. PECT received the new operating systems from the US office, but has found that they do not solve the problems of the nonfunctioning computers because Windows 7 is too much of a burden on the limited memory of the computers. The teachers are working furiously to repair the machines themselves, but are urgently requesting new machines. We are attempting to coordinate with Lusaka to use the Toughbooks as a Band-Aid solution, but they are virus ridden and need to be wiped. The plan is for Jess and Jeremy to bring the Toughbooks to Meheba so that Jean can perform the needed maintenance.

- Annie D, project summer intern

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Project Update: Field Report for May 2010

Jean and Odila have overcome significant obstacles to continue their success with the PECT program. In April the students progressed well and began taking their exams in anticipation of graduation at the end of May. This advancement has been possible even with the limitations created by having only one working computer.

In order to address the equipment problems, Jean and Odila worked with the Site Manager to complete the Taft Refugee Grant application in hopes of receiving new machines and internet hardware for the training program. The Taft Grant is through the US Embassy and the outlook is good that the application will be successful. If the grant is approved new computer equipment will be available to the PECT students in the coming months.

In May the first class of 2010 graduated from the PECT program and received their certification! Jean and Odila were very excited to see another class successfully complete the program. Outreach in the community for applications for the next round students was done during the last week of May and the program managers will begin interviewing candidates the first week of June.

Additionally, Odila was thrilled to receive sponsorship for a computer programming course in Solwezi. Although this will take him away from the day to day operations of the program until August he will be able to return for staff meetings. Furthermore, he is very excited to put his training to use in the PECT program once he returns.

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Project Update: Field Report from March 2010

PECT Spring Course
With the return of stability to the Meheba Settlement in March, attendance at the Peace Education and Computer Training course significantly improved. As a result, the PECT teachers have been able to make substantial progress with training their students! The class is now focusing on Microsoft Publisher and specifically, on developing brochures. All 13 students are already proficient at using and formatting clip art and they are now learning how to effectively create layouts. Jean and Odilla are very pleased with their students’ work and the class is still on track to graduate in May.

And, more good news — all of the course's students have already paid in full for their participation in the spring course! As a result, 100,000 zmk has been collected that will be used to augment future program costs. The PECT team is very excited at this development and its indications for the project's future. Because these students have invested in their learning, the PECT program has taken a major step towards becoming self-sustaining!

The PECT staff is also currently looking for new computers. Recently, some of the program’s machines have experienced operating problems. Jean and Odilla are trying to repair these computers and until new machines are found, they have coordinated with other FORGE offices to use their Toughbooks. However, the damaged machines need to be replaced and both teachers are committed to ensuring their students have access to reliable computers and software.

What's Next
The PECT team took time this past month to further develop a plan to supply the Meheba Settlement with Internet access. Currently, the Project Coordinators and Site Manager are performing a broad survey across the camp to gage potential interest in an internet café; these results will build off a questionnaire the team circulated in December.

Over the course of April, Jean, Odilla and the PECT Site Manager will conduct feasibility tests to determine if Internet can be reliably provided within the camp and where it could be best supported. If these tests’ results are positive, a final proposal for the project will be submitted as a Taft Refugee Grant to the U.S. State Department. The PECT team is hopeful that this application will prove successful so their plans can be realized.

–May Yu, Citizen Effect Project Manager

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Project Update: Field Report from February 2010

In February, the Peace Education and Computer Training program held regular classes for 13 adult students. There are currently ten men and three women attending classes and the average age of these students is 30 years old. Thus far, the students have focused on learning and using Microsoft Word and the Program Coordinators, Jean and Odila, are already impressed with their skills.

Recent protests in Meheba have caused disruption and instability for the community. What began as a peaceful demonstration sparked by the community frustration over the new Government Refugee Officer in the Meheba escalated following the arrival of Zambian police and security forces. One woman was killed and between 50-100 refugees were arrested. Thankfully, the situation has stabilized and the Center’s staff and all FORGE employees are safe. To learn more about the protest, read the response from United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) on this incident.

The PECT program was affected by these events. During the protest, four students were forced to leave the course and other students experienced some difficulty attending classes. Throughout the demonstration and the conflict that followed, the FORGE team and PECT Coordinators prioritized the safety of their students and staff. Jean and Odila have already recruited new students to fill the open spots and adjusted the course schedule as is necessary. Their diligence has ensured classes will continue normally through March and that the 13 students will graduate in May.

-May Yu, Citizen Effect Project Manager

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Field Update: Funds have been received!

On Friday, February 12, 2010, FORGE's Peace Education and Computer Training (PECT) project managers in Zambia received the wired funds for Candice's project. This will support the program's operations for Feb 2010–Feb 2011. Project implementation began last week and by early March, the PECT project managers will begin sending monthly reports to share with Candice and her friends.

Check back for updates on the progress of Candice's Meheba PECT project!

–May Yu, Citizen Effect Project Manager

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