For the non-technical

Yesterday we saw Cama groups 4 and 11 and this morning we went to Isoka. We met with group 6. For all three groups we trained on using the internet and email over their mobile phones. We also setup their T1 computer outdoors for training in a venue which had no power. Needless to say, the solar panel and battery came in very handy. Overall, the training sessions went very well and we are starting to get a good flow to the sessions.

However, during the training it became evident that even some of the most basic skills were lacking. What’s more, with some of the girls and some of the businesses (such as the baked good business) there seemed to be disconnect with how using phones and computers would aid and ease doing business.

Some of the girls who have never touched a computer cannot effectively maneuver a mouse and it causes the training to slow down to a sometimes painfully slow pace. However, I keep in mind that this is an iterative process – that each time the girls learn more, they will take on more and push themselves further.

I expect that the next time I would see any one group after a training session that their skills will have matured and even the concept of subtly moving a device on your desk with your hand so that an animated arrow on your PC monitor moves will become easier and easier. I have to remind myself of how foreign the concepts and even motor skills can be for a first-timer. It will be exciting to see how quickly they become technology enthusiasts. It also makes me wonder if some of them consider growing their business with technology or even focusing their business on providing or training on technology.

Later that same evening we drove to Nakonde which is essentially as far Northeast as you can drive before entering Tanzania.