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Summary

We have built a tested and functional off/online portable web and email network system. We call it Lokole network system, which comprises both hardware and software. The Lokole system has been successfully tested in Canada and the USA and is now being used in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The system can be used as communications tool and a digital library. It the best fit for the unconnected populations of the world to have access to the digital world in an affordable and sustainable way.

Our Team

https://runninginproduction.com/podcast/46-custom-hardware-to-provide-affordable-email-to-the-african-congo

https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/1086421/65366066-2d954480-dbed-11e9-977d-a4c309edc4cc.png

Planning

A brief history

The LOKOLE hardware and software has been in active development since 2017.  The initial version was used to provide email access to remote villages and rural areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  The updated version now also provides access to many hours of educational and training videos that are stored locally on the LOKOLE.  The videos can be accessed using a smartphone, tablet or laptop over WiFi which saves the users the large cost of cellphone or ISP data charges.

The current plan

The next phase is for us to create a Digital Library and Training Center where people from the local community can inexpensively access education and training videos.  We currently have a location chosen and a person who will manage the Digital Library.  We need initial seed funding to pay rent, purchase equipment and pay the initial wages of the Digital Librarian/teacher.

Note: The Lokole portable devices are being used and demoed in several places in Kinshasa, in the Congo DRC as street digital libraries. Lokole device has an internal battery and can be charged with a solar panel.

Budget:

- Operation Costs ($570/mo) - $3,420.00 for 6 months
    - Facility rental ($100/mo) - $600 to cover the initial 6 months
    - Utilities cost ($50/mo) - $300 to cover the initial 6 months
    - Library supervisor ($300/mo) - $1800 to cover the initial 6 months
    - Technical support ($20/mo) - $120 to cover the initial 6 months
    - Municipal Taxes ($100/mo) - $600 to cover the initial 6 months

- Furnish the library ($6000)
   - 11 x desks and chairs
   - 11 x Android tablets (1 x trainer, 10 x students for individually watching training/education videos)
   - 2 x Box Lokole (one is a spare)
   - large screen for doing group presentations
   - 1 x solar power charger
   - fan (to make the room more comfortable)

Only one goal:

The long-term goal is to disseminate education via a digital library using our LOKOLE system throughout Africa and eventually other areas of the world.

The immediate goal is to setup a place where local people in Kinshasa, DRC can access a very affordable (ex. $3/person/month) digital library to study using the stored training and educational videos on the LOKOLE system.  Once the Digital Library has 300 members it will become self-sufficient including a salary for the teacher.

Roadmap:

Stage 1: 

- Secure a room to rent to setup the Digital Library by the end of January
- Purchase equipment for the Digital Library (see Budget above for details)

Stage 2: 

- Train library staff
- Advertise the Digital Library

Stage 3: 

- Start teaching (the Digital Library will be able to support up to 300 "students" per term)