You may not realize the amount of work that goes into a mission trip, but let me state that it can be overwhelming. I am just so happy this week because our batteries arrived. That’s right, batteries. They were the big hold up. Without confirmation of a delivery, our container could not be loaded. Until you have a date for loading the container in one area, it can’t move on to the next and finally to the ship. The day the ship leaves depends on those loading dates (did I mention you get a whole hour to load the container at your site).
Once all those things are in place, you get an idea of when the container will arrive by sea and by land to its final destination. In this case it is Kigali, Rwanda. Upon arrival it must clear customs. This has taken a week once, and four weeks another time. You have to leave enough time for it to clear before your team shows up; otherwise they have nothing to do. Well, they will find something to do, but not anything on the mission objectives list. With an arrival date you can then begin the process of finding a flight over for the whole group and the airlines don’t like maybes when you are scheduling.
So I am ecstatic that our batteries have arrived. They are the last part of the container. The solar panels, tools, inverters etc., are ready to go on board. The books, all 20,000, have been pulled by Books for Africa, and are waiting for the container to arrive. The team is getting prepared, and I am still trying to get airline reservations.
It has been a lot of work putting together the Koinonia Foundation Project Trip 2008, but I have the best job in the world. I have so many great people working with me, that I knew all along that the batteries would get here in time. When you do this kind of work, everything just seems to fall into place like it is supposed to. I just wish it would do it a little sooner at times.
Andrew Williams
Friday, April 4, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
One Laptop Per child
I heard another report on the news today about the “One Laptop Per Child Program.” This report was about the sending of the XO computers to a group of school children in South Africa, which was a very positive thing. The report also talked about the problems the program is having. It is not keeping the cost down to below $100 and there is a failure rate to the computers, among other things.
I believe that it is important to remember what a large undertaking this project is. The goal is just what the program is titled, they want to get a laptop into the hands of every child in countries where students cannot afford a laptop. A plan this lofty is going to have problems. We must remember that problems can be worked out, and eventually will, but we should not look at this program as failing. It is far from failing.
I had the opportunity to speak with those in charge of the start up program in Rwanda. At the time they were field testing the XO in a rural school. Some of the computers were not working, but most were, and the students were using them. That is what is most important; computers in the hands of students who consider getting an education to be the most important opportunity of there young lives.
Modernizing education in third world countries is the most beneficial ideal for the world to embrace. Education is what will stop fighting and hunger. Education will bring us all to the same level and allow for mutual understanding. The XO computer is a way to modernize education and expand the opportunities for students who have very few opportunities.
So when you hear about the “One Laptop Per Child Program,” and they talk about the problems, remember, that those problems are minor compared to the benefits that this program is providing.
Andrew Williams
I believe that it is important to remember what a large undertaking this project is. The goal is just what the program is titled, they want to get a laptop into the hands of every child in countries where students cannot afford a laptop. A plan this lofty is going to have problems. We must remember that problems can be worked out, and eventually will, but we should not look at this program as failing. It is far from failing.
I had the opportunity to speak with those in charge of the start up program in Rwanda. At the time they were field testing the XO in a rural school. Some of the computers were not working, but most were, and the students were using them. That is what is most important; computers in the hands of students who consider getting an education to be the most important opportunity of there young lives.
Modernizing education in third world countries is the most beneficial ideal for the world to embrace. Education is what will stop fighting and hunger. Education will bring us all to the same level and allow for mutual understanding. The XO computer is a way to modernize education and expand the opportunities for students who have very few opportunities.
So when you hear about the “One Laptop Per Child Program,” and they talk about the problems, remember, that those problems are minor compared to the benefits that this program is providing.
Andrew Williams
Monday, January 28, 2008
Kenya
I was in Kenya at the beginning of November. That is before the elections that have caused such trouble for that nation. I was there to set up operations between the Koinonia Foundation and a small clinic in the Masai Mara, run by a fellow American, Dr. Marty Graber. We had an excellent time, lovely people, good work, animals; the whole thing. No signs of unrest at all. Of course, I was only hanging out with one tribe, the Masai.
We did encounter a group of young people who were campaigning, and it was a little scary. We stopped to fuel up at a gas station and right behind us came two small busses and a bunch of cars. They were all campaigning for one candidate and they were rowdy. They were waving around posters and yelling. They were also drinking. All of them were. It was like a tailgate party. We were uncomfortable, but did not fear for our wellbeing. I think it could have gotten real scary if any of the opposing candidate’s people had showed up.
In hindsight, I guess we should have seen the violence coming.
Did we see this coming? No, but we didn’t see Rwanda coming in ‘94 either. How can you predict this kind of thing? What you can do is realize that tribal groups are still a volatile idea in Africa. Look at it the same way we look at religious differences in other parts of the world. The slightest thing can set off tribal battles.
Did I just say “slightest?” I guess I consider rigging the election of one of the largest countries in Africa (allegedly) to be no big thing. In the case of Rwanda, it was the assassination of a President. The point is, those kind of things happen in Africa and it can explode into violence that we in the West cannot comprehend.
Kenya is a jewel on the African Continent. If this violence continues it will destroy all that has been accomplished there. It is important that we in the West do everything we can to help out those who are in the crossfire. Any number of causalities is unacceptable in our world.It is important that we in the West do everything we can to help out those who are in the crossfire. Any number of casualitie
Andrew Williams
We did encounter a group of young people who were campaigning, and it was a little scary. We stopped to fuel up at a gas station and right behind us came two small busses and a bunch of cars. They were all campaigning for one candidate and they were rowdy. They were waving around posters and yelling. They were also drinking. All of them were. It was like a tailgate party. We were uncomfortable, but did not fear for our wellbeing. I think it could have gotten real scary if any of the opposing candidate’s people had showed up.
In hindsight, I guess we should have seen the violence coming.
Did we see this coming? No, but we didn’t see Rwanda coming in ‘94 either. How can you predict this kind of thing? What you can do is realize that tribal groups are still a volatile idea in Africa. Look at it the same way we look at religious differences in other parts of the world. The slightest thing can set off tribal battles.
Did I just say “slightest?” I guess I consider rigging the election of one of the largest countries in Africa (allegedly) to be no big thing. In the case of Rwanda, it was the assassination of a President. The point is, those kind of things happen in Africa and it can explode into violence that we in the West cannot comprehend.
Kenya is a jewel on the African Continent. If this violence continues it will destroy all that has been accomplished there. It is important that we in the West do everything we can to help out those who are in the crossfire. Any number of causalities is unacceptable in our world.It is important that we in the West do everything we can to help out those who are in the crossfire. Any number of casualitie
Andrew Williams
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Library Project
The Koinonia foundation has a new initiative and we are all very excited about it. We are going to be putting in a library at one of the schools that we will be installing solar lighting in this summer.
Libraries are an esential part of the education of those in need in Africa. Students need to be able to read lots of different material to increase their English skills, as well as their overall education. It is important that there be a variety of material to choose from so that students will read for enjoyment as well as for their classes.
Ashley Garrigan, who can be contacted at Ashley@KFAid.com is heading up this project. Ashley is a librarian at the Hoke Library in Jensen Beach Florida.
We will be putting this first library at the ETO in Giterama, Rwanda. The ETO is a technical school that trains high school age children in subjects such as electrity, auto mechanics, construction, etc. These students also get a quality education in the basics as well. This means that we will be able to put in technical books for their specialized training, but also books on other subjects and literature for enjoyment.
The Koinonia Foundation became involved with the school when they approached us about coming in and doing some solar lighting training. What started out as a simple lecture class, has turned into a wonderful relationship. We will be doing the training by installing solar lighting at the school and having the students help us do it. Hands on training. The students will then continue their education by learning how to service the systems, and they will be installing solar power into a home they build for a needy family in the Giterama area. They do this every year as a final project.
This is going to be a great project, and I hope more people get excited about it. We need to raise $10,000 to complete the library for the ETO. If you would like to donate toward this project, please visit the donate page on our website and specify that you would like the money to go the library initiative.
Andrew Williams
Libraries are an esential part of the education of those in need in Africa. Students need to be able to read lots of different material to increase their English skills, as well as their overall education. It is important that there be a variety of material to choose from so that students will read for enjoyment as well as for their classes.
Ashley Garrigan, who can be contacted at Ashley@KFAid.com is heading up this project. Ashley is a librarian at the Hoke Library in Jensen Beach Florida.
We will be putting this first library at the ETO in Giterama, Rwanda. The ETO is a technical school that trains high school age children in subjects such as electrity, auto mechanics, construction, etc. These students also get a quality education in the basics as well. This means that we will be able to put in technical books for their specialized training, but also books on other subjects and literature for enjoyment.
The Koinonia Foundation became involved with the school when they approached us about coming in and doing some solar lighting training. What started out as a simple lecture class, has turned into a wonderful relationship. We will be doing the training by installing solar lighting at the school and having the students help us do it. Hands on training. The students will then continue their education by learning how to service the systems, and they will be installing solar power into a home they build for a needy family in the Giterama area. They do this every year as a final project.
This is going to be a great project, and I hope more people get excited about it. We need to raise $10,000 to complete the library for the ETO. If you would like to donate toward this project, please visit the donate page on our website and specify that you would like the money to go the library initiative.
Andrew Williams
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
K-Light
I just received a package of K-Lights, so I thought I would write about those. I know you can get info on them from our website, but I have been out of them since my trip to Rwanda and Kenya this past November, so I am excited to finally have more.
I can't hold onto the things. To do the interviews I have done over the past few weeks, I had to keep borrowing back the one I gave to my neighbor. He was nice about it, but I know it was annoying, as I see him use it every night.
That is the thing; this lantern is not just a nice way to provide some inexpensive light to those in Third World countries, or a way to stop the heavy usage of kerosene, it is just a great lantern. It is so bright, handy, and recharges. No searching for more batteries. The thing is just amazing.
I am hopeful it will be available for purchase in the United States this spring, because I don't want to keep running out of them.
Anyway, I just wanted to laud the K-Light today.
Andrew Williams
I can't hold onto the things. To do the interviews I have done over the past few weeks, I had to keep borrowing back the one I gave to my neighbor. He was nice about it, but I know it was annoying, as I see him use it every night.
That is the thing; this lantern is not just a nice way to provide some inexpensive light to those in Third World countries, or a way to stop the heavy usage of kerosene, it is just a great lantern. It is so bright, handy, and recharges. No searching for more batteries. The thing is just amazing.
I am hopeful it will be available for purchase in the United States this spring, because I don't want to keep running out of them.
Anyway, I just wanted to laud the K-Light today.
Andrew Williams
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Holidays in New York
I wanted to let you all know that I will be up in the New York City area around the holidays. I am going up to spend this time with family, but since this is a family foundation, that means I will be working also. That being said, I am putting out the call to any journalists, fundraisers and /or potential donors, that I will be happy to make myself available. Just contact me via email at info@kfaid.com. I will be available for meetings, interviews, lectures and ice skating.
Now that I have done my shilling, I would like to remind all the readers of this Blog that this time of year is a great time to donate to a worthy cause. Everyone gives this time of year to those we know and love. It is time to think bigger than that. Look at all you have, think about that gift you really want, then add the numbers in your head and give a chunk of it away. It doesn’t have to be a lot. I know what that large screen TV costs: it is a lot. Give a percentage of the cost. It will make you feel great, especially if you are trying to get yourself into the holiday spirit.
So go and click on our donate button, or search for another cause. As much as is said about non-profits competing for donations, we really don't. I believe everyone who works in this field, as I do, is happy for everyone else’s success. It all comes down to helping those who need it.
And there are a lot of people who need it this Holiday Season.
Andrew Williams
Now that I have done my shilling, I would like to remind all the readers of this Blog that this time of year is a great time to donate to a worthy cause. Everyone gives this time of year to those we know and love. It is time to think bigger than that. Look at all you have, think about that gift you really want, then add the numbers in your head and give a chunk of it away. It doesn’t have to be a lot. I know what that large screen TV costs: it is a lot. Give a percentage of the cost. It will make you feel great, especially if you are trying to get yourself into the holiday spirit.
So go and click on our donate button, or search for another cause. As much as is said about non-profits competing for donations, we really don't. I believe everyone who works in this field, as I do, is happy for everyone else’s success. It all comes down to helping those who need it.
And there are a lot of people who need it this Holiday Season.
Andrew Williams
Monday, December 10, 2007
Lots of news
When I say lots of news, I mean it. In the past week we have had a story done on the foundation by Channel 5 out of West Palm Beach, and had an interview with the Stuart News.
The TV spot turned out great. This is due to the skills of Brian Garner and Jenny Newell from Channel 5. They came out and spent most of the morning with us. Everyone joked about how difficult it would be to put all the things the foundation is doing into a 2 minute piece, but they encapsulated us perfectly. Any news story that gets the word out is great, but having such a nice piece is wonderful.
If you did not get to see it, we now have a copy of it on or website under the "news" category. Take a look. You can also hear past radio interviews and view other articles.
We were also joined by Ivy Atlas from the Stuart News. We had a wonderful time chatting with her about the K-Light and all the other past and future projects of the foundation. We are really looking forward to her article coming out, and will post it on our website when we can. So keep an eye out.
To top it all off, we have also heard from the Palm Beach Post, and they will be meeting with us in early January.
So, since we have become so good at dealing with the press, let your local media know about us. The more the merrier when it comes to getting our message out and hopefully getting donations in.
Take care;
Andrew Williams
The TV spot turned out great. This is due to the skills of Brian Garner and Jenny Newell from Channel 5. They came out and spent most of the morning with us. Everyone joked about how difficult it would be to put all the things the foundation is doing into a 2 minute piece, but they encapsulated us perfectly. Any news story that gets the word out is great, but having such a nice piece is wonderful.
If you did not get to see it, we now have a copy of it on or website under the "news" category. Take a look. You can also hear past radio interviews and view other articles.
We were also joined by Ivy Atlas from the Stuart News. We had a wonderful time chatting with her about the K-Light and all the other past and future projects of the foundation. We are really looking forward to her article coming out, and will post it on our website when we can. So keep an eye out.
To top it all off, we have also heard from the Palm Beach Post, and they will be meeting with us in early January.
So, since we have become so good at dealing with the press, let your local media know about us. The more the merrier when it comes to getting our message out and hopefully getting donations in.
Take care;
Andrew Williams
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