Sunday, August 22, 2010

An Insight into Digital Media with Benjamin Stokes of Mobile Voices

Benjamin Stokes' specialty is digital media. He is keen on how digital technologies are changing the way young people learn, play, socialize, and participate in civic life. He can be found at his personal website, LinkedIn and twitter He also studied in Senegal at Université Gaston Berger

www.infoafricanow.com: What is the definition of digital media?

Benjamin: There is no one definition; for me, I prefer to use the term 'digital media' broadly to include everything from digital games, to digital film, digital audio, and even interactive media like social networking websites. To me, the term is primarily applied to media that can be accessed via an internet-enabled computer.



www.infoafricanow.com: What advantages does digital media have over traditional media?

Benjamin: I prefer to speak of differences more than advantages, since many of the same differences can be disadvantages in some circumstances. Some notable differences include: reduced costs of production, and much lower cost of duplication and distribution, the ability for different social interactions (such as many-to-many, whereas traditional was limited to one-to-many), and the cause-and-effect experience of interactive media.


www.infoafricanow.com: How can Non Profit Organizations in Africa effectively employ the use of digital media?

Benjamin: Since there are hundreds of digital media forms, this is not a simple question to answer. My most general recommendation is that organizations should seek out peer organizations with whom they can experiment and grow. In other words, I believe it is more valuable for organizations to take a longer-term view, and invest in building networks of collaborators, rather than to tackle a possible solution alone. This way, organizations can learn from the success of others, and share their own successes and failures. Too often we are tempted to overlook the human structures that must be developed alongside technology implementations. Shifts in management style are especially important as we move into digital realms -- and they are difficult to design without a network of trusted peers. The media itself will continue to change over time, but a good nonprofit network can bring stability to non profits across the waves of new media.



www.infoafricanow.com: Are there disadvantages of completely relying on digital media?

Benjamin: Engineers are trained to avoid "single points of failure" in critical systems -- in other words, always have a backup plan. Sometimes this means you should have analogue backups of some key media. But even when you have a backup plan, there are always tradeoffs in using digital media. For example, digital media may aggrevate generational divides, since older people are sometimes intimidated about learning new systems. Furthermore, valued digital media can be lost entirely if adequate backup copies are not made regularly and kept in isolation (ideally at a different physical location). These are just two disadvantages -- of course, there are many more.

www.infoafricanow.com: What advice would you give to non profits which are considering the use of digital media?


Benjamin: First, be proud that you're considering taking this risk. Too many organizations act as if digital media is either a guaranteed savior (and jump in too quickly) or else inapplicable (and overlook important opportunities). In fact, digital media is one of the fastest changing areas in our modern world, and so I think it should be considered regularly for both advantages and disadvantages. If you're looking for an overview of how digital media is changing the kind of skills we all need to know (not just kids!) check out this white paper by Henry Jenkins: http://www.newmedialiteracies.org/files/working/NMLWhitePaper.pdf And if you're looking for a more applied strategy guide, check out: http://www.idealware.org/reports/nonprofit-social-media-decision-guide ...but keep in mind that the African context is not the primary focus for either of these articles, and is often very different. Such differences underscore the importance of networking with other peer non profits in Africa which can help translate and directly apply these insights.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Kenya's Vivian Akinyi Achieng of Sherekea Charity Fund, Inc, New York

One of our goals as www.infoafricanow.com is to connect the African Diaspora with Africa, informing our brothers and sisters across the oceans of the good things going on back home. Hence it is with great enthusiasm that we had a word with Vivian Akinyi Achieng, the founder of Sherekea Charity Fund, Inc which is a New York based non-profit organization. Vivian recently won the 2010 Jamhuriwood Humanitarian & Non-profit Award



Sherekea Charity Fund, Inc. has the key goal of provide East Africans with the basic human needs of food, water and shelter, with emphasis onWomen and Children, Orphans, and HIV/AIDS victims.

www.infoafricanow.com: What are the challenges Sherekea Charity Fund has encountered so far?

Vivian: Where do i start? everyday is a challenge. We encountered many challenges in
our first clean water project, bad management, drought, flood and luck of
communications. Such things might come across and will make you even stronger
everyday.

www.infoafricanow.com: What advice do you have for Africans in the diaspora who wish to start projects back home?

Vivian: Write down a plan, follow your dream, vision and choose your partners,
friends, management and contractor wisely. And last, stay true to yourself.



www.infoafricanow.com: Has the Kenyan Government been supportive of your projects?

Vivian: We haven't ask for any help yet from Kenyan government.

www.infoafricanow.com: What are your future plans as the founder of Sherekea?

Our goal and vision is to provide Africans with the basic human needs of
water, food, sanitation and shelter, and focus on those most in need: Women and
Children, Orphans, and HIV/AIDS victims.

"Sherekea" also, creates an opportunity for small scale philanthropic giving
that promotes education, job creation, traditional culture and artistic
expression throughout East Africa



www.infoafricanow.com: What impact did winning the Jamhuriwood Award have on you?

Vivian: Nothing is more rewarding when you get a recognition from your
people/community. It's humbling, rewarding, inspiring and up lifting in every
level. Love and acknowledgments is what we all need everyday....

"To all Africans in the diaspora, lets talk the talk, walk the walk, by being
active in our communities".
If is not you? then who?

Help us save a village!

Craft Silicon Foundation.....Fighting Poverty with Passion and Technology

At the recently launched Akishika Project, We had a chance to interact with Priya, CEO and founder of Craft Silicon Foundation.



The Craft Silicon Foundation's aim is to provide free computer aid to youth and children in the slums. Priya spoke of encouraging and equipping women with the necessary tools to fight poverty. She also encouraged women to look at technology through women's eyes. She believes that if we empower women, then families will flourish, leading to stronger communities and eventually a successful nation.

Of interest is the Craft Silicon Foundation Bus which is computer-fitted and solar powered. The bus has been fitted with 12 computer monitors and is able to harness solar energy at no extra cost. There are 3 Servers each running 4 monitor screens, in total the 12 monitor screens are effectively powered. It is also fitted with education courseware, Internet connectivity, printers and scanners







The bus is used to offer mobile ICT services to the poor students in the country. The bus goes round to slums (Kibera, Kawangware, Kangemi, Mathare, Huruma, and Mukuru kwa Nyayo) everyday and teaches students about computers and the internet.



The lessons are tailored for girls aged between 9 and 13, and youth aged between 18 and 24. Classes are in three sessions – mornings, mid-morning, and evening. Each class has 36 students. A full course takes three months, and there are four intakes a year. Over 500 students have graduated in a one year period, most of whom have gained employment with others pursuing Information Technology.



www.infoafricanow.com at The Launch of The Akishika Training Project

I recently had the honor of attending the launch of The Akishika Training Project by Akira Chix and The Shika Team.

The aim of the project is to provide IT education and skills to girls who are less privileged in terms of getting formal university/college education and training. This pilot plan is aimed at girls from the slum areas.

The students were keen and had the chance to listen to Gladys Muhunyo (Computer Aid Kenya), Robert Zdunczyk (Poland East Africa Economic Foundation), Catherine Nyambala (Stem Africa), Kaburo Kobia (Kenya ICT Board) and Priya (CEO and Founder of Craft Silicon Foundation)

This training will last 18 months, after which the girls will seek employment opportunities in IT.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Ghana Dish, A Ghanaian Restaurant in Guangzhou, China

"Finally I found it, the elusive Ghanaian restaurant. It was not the same place I had been to 2 weeks before; it seemed more like a restaurant. The establishment even had a name, Ghana Dish, run by Madame Atta. The last place I went to was run by some old guy and it makes a big difference when Ghanaian food is served by a large Ghanaian woman. It just feels more authentic. She is from Kumasi and has been living in China for 3 years now. It was great fun chatting with her.



They have a simple menu in her restaurant and like her name card is also printed on the Ghana flag. One thing I must say about Ghanaians is that they seem to be a lot more patriotic than their African brothers. None of the other establishments I visited had any décor that defined where they were from but the Ghanaian restaurant had a few flags up on the wall and even played high life music on the stereo. They only offered a few simple dishes though like Banku, Fufu, Light Soup, Groundnut Soup, Kokonte, Gari, and rice. On order Madame Atta can also whip up some Jollof Rice, Tilapia Fish, and Okro Stew. The field managers name as is, Anyass (Alias Yellow Man)… That is usually what Ghanaians would call a fair skinned or even an albino brother.


I ordered us some Fufu and Light Soup. Fufu is actually a pounded combination of yams and plantains that are made into a ball that resembles dough. It has a sticky texture and does not really taste of anything. It is good starch though and it really fills the stomach.



The Fufu is usually eaten with Groundnut or Light Soup that is a broth cooked with chicken, mutton, or fish. Sometimes even lean cuts of beef. I like the meat with some fat and skin on it that give the soup flavor and texture. It is usually very spicy and flavorful. My cousin had no idea what he was into. The unique thing about Fufu is that you do not chew it. You have to cut a piece using your index and middle fingers, form a small dimple in the piece you have cut (using your thumb), dip the piece into the piping hot soup, and one placed in your mouth you swallow. You DO NOT chew Fufu.

Ghana Dish is the best Ghanaian Restaurant I have been to in Guangzhou. And I think it is awesome to say that because it means I have been to more than one here! As always I am blown away by how much Guangzhou has to offer and how navigable this city is even for a bloke who hardly speaks a word of Chinese. People here are extremely helpful and unprejudiced to people from all walks of life. I am looking forward to walking through the entire building floor by floor trying every eating establishment I find and meeting more people there. But don’t be expecting me to dish out invitation letters any time soon."

This article is an excerpt from the blog Indodreamin.com

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Five Minutes with Augustine of Burundi Access

Augustine is the brains behind Burundi Access, a website which provides information on Burundi for tourism purposes.

www.infoafricanow.com: What are the five major tourism attractions in Burundi?

Augustine: Kirundo Birds Lake, Karera Falls, Nile Source Monument, Pierre Livingstone Monument and Rusizi National Park

www.infoafricanow.com: What are the five least unknown attractions in Burundi?

Augustine: Lake Dogodogo spring waters, Teza tea plantations, Bukeye Royal tombs, Kigwena Chimpanzees and Cibitoke World war German tombs

www.infoafricanow.com: As a Tour Operator in Burundi, what advice would you give those planning to visit Burundi in future?

Augustine: Travellers to Burundi should rely on some travel agencies or tours
operators information. I say this because, it is not easy to find great travel news on Burundi tourism even through the national tourism office.



www.infoafricanow.com: How has can Burundi make use of the Internet to attract more
tourists?

Augustine: Burundians don't believe Internet can help them attract tourists to
Burundi ,that's the reason I decided to build my website where I can
publish what we can offer in Burundi in terms of travel services ,hotel
,car rental ,travel agents , and other services people can search from
internet .

People build a website but once they are finished, few try to promote
their company through internet. They believe building a website is enough .
I wrote an article about this http://burundiaccess.com/ba.php?article50



www.infoafricanow.com: How has the Government of Burundi supported the tourism sector?

Augustine: I can say Burundi Government has not yet thought about the power or importance of the tourism sector in the country development.
Government officials have for a long time considered tourism sector as unproductive sector .

Burundi Access Offers Advice on Travel Agents

Burundi Access is a simple website that offers booking facilities for tourists interested in traveling to Burundi. Here is their take on why the tourism industry should not solely rely on the internet for bookings....

How is the Internet affecting the travel industry?

The Internet has helped transform the travel industry. It helps educate the consumer by providing vast amounts of information about destinations and different travel options. Both consumers and travel professionals have benefited from the Internet, which makes the possibility of travel to exotic places more imaginable. It has helped consumers see in full color and, in some cases, real time, where they would like to visit. The Internet gives travelers the ability to do comparative shopping for attractive deals or packages. It also has helped many travel agencies, hotels, resorts and other travel-related suppliers flourish by bringing in business through Web sites

What are the benefits of using a travel agent compared to the Internet?

The Internet can be a powerful tool. It can increase the scope and reach of a consumer’s efforts and allow a person to check hundreds of options or research destinations in depth.
But to make the Internet work effectively, a person has to understand where to look and what questions to ask, otherwise hours can be wasted surfing the Web and ultimately produce unsatisfactory results. This is where a travel agent can make a world of difference.
A professional travel agent is trained to guide a client through the entire process of planning a trip, whether for business or for leisure. Travel agents take classes, participate in seminars, become destination specialists and join professional associations, in order to ensure they make each client’s travel experience as personalized, convenient and memorable as possible.
When planning a business trip or family vacation, the Internet can be a valuable resource, but it cannot replace the expertise and guidance of a travel agent. Also, during travel crises, the Internet can’t replace a human being who will persist to help a client. Travel agents, meanwhile, can offer a myriad of intermediate options.

Will the Internet replace the need for travel agents?

There are some things technology cannot replicate, and personal touch is one of them. The Internet is a valuable resource, but it cannot replace the expertise, guidance and personal service of a travel agent.
At a time when travelers are stressed out with hectic schedules, travel agents have all of the information at their fingertips, saving valuable hours of surfing on the Web. Agents also can offer insider tips generally based on personal experience.

Why should I use a travel agent?

Today, with the overwhelming number of sources for travel information (the Internet, cable television, newspapers, magazines, guidebooks, etc.), it’s no wonder the consumer is confused. Yet that is precisely why the services of a professional travel consultant are more valuable than ever.
People know travel agents beat consumers at uncovering the best airfares.
It is much more than the "lowest fare" that provides the compelling argument for a good travel agent. The best thing an agent can do is to match up travelers with the vacation that’s right for them.

The professional travel consultant builds relationships with their clients to learn their interests and lifestyles, as well as their dispositions. Below is a list of some of the important services, which are either provided free or for a nominal charge, by travel agents :

1.Distilling the product information:

Through an on-going and time-consuming process of familiarization, continuing education and customer feedback, the agent becomes a travel expert.

2. Investigating and supplying competitive information:

No single supplier is going to advise a consumer that a better route or a better fare is available on a competing carrier.

3.Staying abreast of the most current and timely promotions:

Via daily faxes, agent-only e-mail transmissions, and their relationships with their district sales managers, agents are obtaining the most current promotional information.

4.Analyzing the current promotions:

The cheapest is not always the best.

5. Clarifying the fine print, such as cancellation penalties and restrictions:

Again, the benefits of a professional’s experience can save traveler money . . . and headaches.

6. Simplifying the research and subsequent transaction:

Like a personal shopper, agents can provide one-stop shopping for travelers who require air arrangements, rental cars, cruise accommodations and hotel stays - with suggestions that are in the best interest of the client, not the supplier.

7. Enhancing the trip with value-added benefits and amenities:

Agents can add to the client’s experience by sending a bottle of wine, providing a special land package, a specific escort or other customer amenities.

8. Using their clout to obtain the best possible in seemingly impossible situations:

Whether it’s airline seats, hotel rooms or cruise space, the travel agent has more buying power than the consumer.

9. Getting problems resolved:

The agent serves as the consumer’s advocate in the event something inadvertently goes wrong. The use of outside service providers for many transactions, such as tax preparation, isn’t questioned. Similarly, if one is going to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars, as well as a good chunk of valuable leisure time, it makes great sense to use a professional.