July 17, 2005: Headlines: COS - Cameroon: Internet: Computers: The Third Goal: The Grand Rapids Press: RPCV Mike Jaeger leads team to set up networks in Cameroon
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July 17, 2005: Headlines: COS - Cameroon: Internet: Computers: The Third Goal: The Grand Rapids Press: RPCV Mike Jaeger leads team to set up networks in Cameroon
RPCV Mike Jaeger leads team to set up networks in Cameroon
"The United States Peace Corps is currently training nine new computer volunteers to work in the labs we have outfitted," Jaeger said. "They are hoping to arrange for a couple of our students to return to Cameroon around Christmas to present at an in-service training for these volunteers, and host country colleagues, to discuss networking, troubleshooting and network maintenance."
RPCV Mike Jaeger leads team to set up networks in Cameroon
Students set up networks in Cameroon
Sunday, July 17, 2005
By Kym Reinstadler
The Grand Rapids Press
HOLLAND -- Seventeen West Ottawa High School students have just returned from a 2 1/4-week trip to the Republican of Cameroon, where they installed the largest instructional computer network in West Africa.
The students are active in West Ottawa's Cultural Technological and Environmental Exchange, which has set up five computer labs since 1998 under the leadership of science teacher Mike Jaeger, a former Peace Corps volunteer in Cameroon.
CTEE rebuilds donated computers and raises money to ship them to Cameroon through an annual rock concert, called WO-Stock, pingpong and euchre tournaments. A contingent of West Ottawa students then travels to Cameroon to install and network the computers and teaches local people how to use them.
"The United States Peace Corps is currently training nine new computer volunteers to work in the labs we have outfitted," Jaeger said. "They are hoping to arrange for a couple of our students to return to Cameroon around Christmas to present at an in-service training for these volunteers, and host country colleagues, to discuss networking, troubleshooting and network maintenance."
In the Information Age, a "digital divide" exists between modern and developing nations. Improved access to technology helps close the gap.
CTEE sent two shipments containing 230 computers. The largest concentration was at Longa Comprehensive College in Bamenda, which constructed a lab to receive a CTEE installation.
One hundred computers were targeted for that lab, but parts to network some of the computers were in short supply. There was sufficient time and materials to install 81 computers, Jaeger said.
Some West Ottawa students could return to Cameroon in December to complete the job, or to train the other volunteers to do it, but it is not known whether the Peace Corps would be able help finance the students' journey, Jaeger said.
Cameroon is about the size of California. More than 250 languages are spoken by the nation's 17 million people, about half of which are 18 years old and younger.
In addition to setting up labs and teaching the Cameroonians how to use them, West Ottawa students took time to experience the culture and history of the country.
Justin Hook, a recent graduate, said CTEE provided his first overseas experience being a minority in a culture where people live differently and had little exposure to Americans.
Hook spent eight days shadowing Megan Bartey, of Seattle, a Peace Corps volunteer teaching residents of a small village sustainable agriculture practices.
Hook said it was impossible to match children with their parents because the villagers lived communally, each adult showing responsibility for each child. He found that striking.
"I had a chance to meet with local artisans, community leaders and even Fons (tribal leaders)," Vincent Boileau said. "I spoke with cooks, drivers, Peace Corps volunteers and wood carvers. I met tribal leaders of Bafut and Mbemb. I especially enjoyed seeing a traditional Juju dance while we visited the Palace of Bafut."
Deven Lyon said the Cameroonians were happy, hospitable and grateful.
"Basically it all simmers down to it being the most amazing experience of my life," Lyon said. "... I feel like the people I met gave me more than I could have ever given me."
Computers installed in Cameroon during the CTEE trip were donated to West Ottawa by businesses, educational institutions and individuals.
© 2005 Grand Rapids Press. Used with permission
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Story Source: The Grand Rapids Press
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Cameroon; Internet; Computers; The Third Goal
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