Message-ID: <199605080502.FAA02696@pipe2.t2.usa.pipeline.com> Date: Wed, 8 May 1996 05:02:55 GMT From: "brendan j. murphy" <mailto:bmurphy@NYC.PIPELINE.COM> Subject: Re: Computers to Africa To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
This is in response to a query from mailto:rnmccord@UCDAVIS.EDU, as well as for the general information of the list:The Computers for Africa Project, launched in early 1995, has been collecting donated Radio Shack TRS80 Model 100, 102 and 200 portable computers for placement with African journalists. The program has collected some 35 computers which will be put into service in a pilot project in Mali, West Africa later this year. The project is now in discussions with a potential partner in the Malian press which it hopes will provide an institutional platform.
Though the TRS80 computers have limited memory and processing capacity, they served a generation of US foreign correspondents and other journalists and in many cases are still in service. The TRS80 is not only rugged and lightweight, with self-contained word-processing softward and a built in modem, but operates on four AA penlight batteries. Therefore it is an excellent machine for African conditions and well suited for African journalists for whom it should provide a first step up the information processing ladder. The TRS80 can also access lower-level Internet facilities such as E-mail and data bases, though not the World Wide Web.
Computers for Africa has received the backing of the International Center for Journalists in Washington, and the US Information Agency (USIS overseas). It is seeking funding to move ahead more quickly in reconditioning computers and purchasing peripheral gear, as well as to meet the costs of a Mali training program. For more information, or to donate a TRS80 portable, please call Brendan Murphy at 212-608-2150 or fax to 212-374-9763.
E-mail to: mailto:bmurphy@pipeline.com.
On May 07, 1996 13:24:12, 'Ramona McCord <mailto:rnmccord@UCDAVIS.EDU>' wrote:
>I recall there being some discussion between those on this list about
>sending computers to Africa. Can anyone tell me if there is a specific
>organization or organizations that collects used computers for shipment to
>various countries in Africa? Please provide me with the names and
addresses. >
>Thank you.
>
>Mona McCord
mailto:>rnmccord@ucdavis.edu