Recommendations
Two surveys were conducted. The first was an interview of the steward of a site about the computers. This information was subjective and only helpful for describing the unquantifiable aspects of computers. The second was a direct count of computers, printers, stabilizers, and facilities so to provide agencies with more accurate information. From our findings, a few key conclusions stand out.
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Facilities a minor problem
Every computer lab was checked for locks, bars in windows, cooling mechanisms, stable voltage, leaks, dust covers, and curtains. Although few labs met all the criteria of a climate controlled facility, most were adequate for preventing corrosion, theft, and extreme heat.
Nearly every place we visited stored computers in a secure room and ran the newer computers through a stabilizer or UPS. However, voltage regulation was not always provided for every computer. Computers were also sometimes exposed to dust, rain, or extreme heat. Few computer labs had adequate cooling mechanisms.
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Maintenance a major problem
Only sixty-one percent of SSS computers function. There exists a severe shortage of qualified personnel to fix and maintain computers. Most interviewees noted the need training in using computers, but overlooked the even greater need for repairing and maintaining computers. Nearly all schools rely on Peace Corps volunteers to repair computers.
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Solar Power is superior
The relative cost of solar power versus a generator shows that solar is cheaper in the long run. During a ten year period the cost of generator and solar is about the same if and only if the computers are used for less than 4 hours a day, 5 days a week. With solar power, computers could be used for 12 hours at the same cost. In addition, the daily need for funds to run a generator will likely prevent its widespread use. Thus, solar energy is a much better choice if free and frequent student access is the goal.
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Generator Usage:
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Small computer lab (12 computers for 4 hours a day):
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Generator purchase: |
$200
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Minimum monthly fuel cost (4 hours day for 20 days):
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$50
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Total Cost after 10 years:
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$10000
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(Estimates are from the Essau DHT. Cost includes a 9% inflation adjustment and a 2nd generator purchase after 5 years. Fuel cost: D6.75/liter. 5L consumed each 4 hours.)
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Solar Usage:
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Small computer lab (12 computers for 12 hours a day)
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Trace C-40; forty amp charge controller
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$134
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Concorde Pvx-12105; 105 amp hour battery
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$129
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Solarex SX-55U; 55 watt panel
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$237
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Total cost after 10 years:
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$10,000
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(Estimates are from www.mrsolar.com. Cost includes 40 panels to provide continuous daily power during dry season. Estimates exclude consideration of air conditioners but allow the use of multiple electric fans.)
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Internet not widespread
Only three of the eighteen SSSs have Internet access. Internet was not part of any school’s teaching. Schools have found the cost of local phone calls to be a barrier to greater use of the Internet. Two schools recently lost Internet access due to financial constraints. Where phone costs are incurred by the minute, the Internet should be used to send email rather than to browse the World Wide Web.
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Women are using computers
25 of the 34 sites we visited offered details about people using computers. From this data, we estimate that the ratio of men to women using computers is about 1.5 to 1. Forty percent of qualified computer personnel are women.
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