Sustainable Computer Lab in Public Library in Bamako, Mali (Bibliothèque nationale du Mali)

Proposal:                        Sustainable Public Computer Lab in Bamako, Mali

Local Principal:            GeekCorps - Mali

Primary Contact:            Kani Keita

Secondary Contact:            

Location:                        Mali

                                    Bamako

Industry:                        Technology

Sector:                                    Education

Summary:            Proposal to install a computer lab in the main public library of the capital of Bamako. Currently there is one computer in the National Public Library; the proposed computer lab will have twelve workstations. Because of the difficulties of installing an internet connection, an eGranary server will instead be supplied. This server has over 10 million pages of information on it (including 40,000+ textbooks) and it can be updated. Solar panels will be installed on the roof of the library for supplemental energy. Competitive advantages include the relatively large returns on education in Sub-Saharan Africa. Challenges include funding and adequate supply of power. Total estimated cost for start-up and first year of operations is US$30,000. IESC (International Executive Service Corps) Geekcorps - an international 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes stability and prosperity in the developing world through information and communication technology (ICT) – has technical experts available in Bamako willing to help with the project.

Sustainability:            The public library is a non-profit project with development/social objectives:

1)   Encourage learning among the locals; while people wait in line to use the computer, they can read books in the library.

2)   Provide free access to up-to-date educational sources for local students. (Maybe you have to be a student to use?)

3)   Establish the library as a major civic organization. The library will be a center of attention for the community. They will have monthly competitions for students to win prizes like shoes.

Local Contributions:            1) Management

                                    2) Labor

                                    3) Land

                                    4) Technical assistance

                                    5) Capital (maybe…)

Needed:            1) Grants/contributions for purchase and transportation of computers, server and solar panels.

More to come....