[liberationtech] Help needed for Internet access in Africa

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Might I share this on another list?

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> On Jun 23, 2017, at 2:36 AM, Yosem Companys <companys at stanford.edu> wrote:
> 
> From: Anelda van der Walt <ANELDA.VANDERWALT at NWU.AC.ZA <mailto:ANELDA.VANDERWALT at NWU.AC.ZA>>
> 
> Dear all,
> 
> I realise we have a very diverse group of people subscribed to this list and really hope someone on the list can help with ideas or can put us in touch with someone who can help.
> 
> In July 2017 colleagues from University of New Orleans will be running a 5-day bioinformatics workshop in Gabon, Central Africa. The workshop will include some modules from the Carpentry repertoire.  The researchers from New Orleans have a longstanding relationship with the Gabon university and have been involved in a number of capacity building initiatives over the years. Amongst other things, participants will learn this year, to use cloud computing (thanks Jason!) for genomics data analysis...
> 
> The reality is that the university does not have Internet... Although our colleagues from the US will be buying data bundles and using the local mobile network to get access to Internet for the duration of the course (with its limitations and high costs associated), we are trying to help the university to get access to Internet at a broader level.
> 
> We are working with the country's Education and Research Network service provider, but costs are astronomical and as such the Science Faculty, who is keen to take a lead on this initiative, will just not be able to cover installation costs and monthly costs from an already depleted budget.
> 
> So, we have a use case (bioinformatics data analysis in the cloud), we have a champion at the Gabon university (Dean of Science Faculty), we have the network provider ready with plans to install (GabonREN), we have an existing relationship between US/Gabon (so not one of those once off helicopter capacity building initiatives). 
> 
> What we don't have:
> Skills in the IT department to install and maintain internet (The Science Dean said they will have to contract these skills in)
> Funding to afford the initial installation
> Funding to maintain the installation (staff/contractors)
> Funding for monthly line rental
> Does anybody have an idea about someone we could approach for help? 
> 
> I look forward to seeing how our collective wisdom and networks may be able to help fellow researchers get access to the Internet.
> 
> Kind regards,
> 
> Anelda
> 
>  
> -- 
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