In December, the Tanzanian Mission to the U.N. sent a letter, written on his last day in office, from His Excellency (H.E.) Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania. Referring to Founding Director Janice Lathen as “Mama Karatu,” President Kikwete complimented our efforts in Tanzanian education while assuring that the new president, H.E. Dr. John Pombe Magufuli, would be supportive of our ongoing endeavors.

It was an amazing experience to have our cause receive the personal recognition of His Excellency. Yet this is not the first time that Powering Potential has been recognized by President Kikwete and the Tanzanian government.

Founding Director Janice Lathen and Organizational Development Consultant Walter Minja brief President Kikwete at the DICOTA Convention in September 2011

We first made the acquaintance of President Kikwete at the DICOTA Convention in September 2011. DICOTA stands for the Diaspora Council of Tanzanians in America, which was originally founded as a non-profit in Minneapolis as a way to address socio-economic issues facing Tanzanians both here and abroad.

Working in conjunction with the Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in the United States, the DICOTA convention brought 600 attendees to view various presentations. Janice Lathen and Walter Minja had the honor of introducing our work to President Kikwete at that time.

His Excellency President Kikwete with Founding Director Janice Lathen June 2012

Janice Lathen would have another opportunity to meet with President Kikwete after being invited to a luncheon at the State House in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania by H.E. Ambassador Mwanaidi Maajar, the Tanzanian Ambassador to the U.S. on June 30, 2012. Ms. Lathen was delighted to take a picture with President Kikwete as well. More than a year later, Powering Potential would speak with President Kikwete briefly at the opening of the Tanzanian Consulate in San Rafael, CA on Sept. 16, 2013, an event to which Powering Potential received an invitation from Ahmed Issa, the Honorary Consul to Tanzania.

Ms. Lathen also met in person with H.E. Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, the Tanzanian Ambassador to the U.S. for the first time at the same engagement.

Fast forward to May 2015: Powering Potential geared up for Education Week in Dodoma, Tanzania, giving presentations of our ongoing computer lab installations. We were honored to have President Kikwete visit our exhibit.

Country Director Albin Mathias, Special Projects Manager Subilaga Mwakilima and Walter Minja with President Kikwete May 2015

After being briefed by Country Director Albin Mathias and Organization Development Consultant Walter Minja, His Excellency gave us a “thumbs up,” saying “Kazi nzuri! Hii ni tekinolojia tunayohitaji vijini.” (“Good work! This is the technology which we need for the rural areas.”)

Our vision has always been to extend all the joys technology can provide to the students of Tanzania. The attention given to us by President Kikwete during his time in office cannot be understated. It is the highest honor to have our hard work rewarded by such prestigious recognition. It is also our goal to continue striving towards that same level of excellence in the future.

Swahili is the language of Tanzania. Here is another taste of that beautiful language:

Habari za leo?
How are you today?

Nakutakia siku njema!
Have a nice day!

Janice captivates the audience

And so Janice Lathen began the story of Powering Potential, beginning with the same Swahili greeting that started the whole journey. Words are important to Janice. She chooses them carefully. She had 30 minutes to speak of Powering Potential to an audience of 300 executives at the Defrag Conference, considered the “gold standard” of technology conferences, held on November 11 and 12 in Colorado.

Flanked by giant video screens on stage, Janice described a small rural school, less than a year old, where electricity was a some-day promise. She was on vacation in Tanzania, and her traveling group visited a local school. Each person greeted the children; Janice spoke in Swahili. Respect to different countries is important. The students appreciated the respect.

Even from Broomfield, Colorado, the audience could see the broad smiles that Janice described after she spoke in the native tongue. Twenty minutes on the stage — computers can measure such things — the first donation came in from a Defrag participant to Powering Potential. Solar power solved the problem of no electricity and Janice lived up to her promise, delivering that first computer to the first school.

Now there are programs in 13 schools reaching more than 7,000 children. A team of people in Tanzania and in the United States work to spread the word, and do more work. Many are volunteering. The Tanzanian government, in particular the Ministry of Education and Prime Minister’s Office, are involved; local districts choose the schools. Cross-country participation is a key to the success of Powering Potential. Principles are important. Promises are kept.

The Defrag Conference is an annual event.

Defrag is an organization dedicated to exploring technology, its reach and impact on all avenues of society. Entering their 10th year, the conference organizers pride themselves on the level of innovation and collaboration that happens among the attendees. It’s a call to action that attracts caring and committed technology innovators, entrepreneurs and designers in the field.

Janice titled her speech “The Joy and Appreciation Variables.”

“It was the joy that I felt in speaking Swahili,”” Janice explains. “”My desire to show respect to the Tanzanians by speaking in their own language. They reacted to the greeting with exuberant appreciation. It ignited a spark. The power of that reaction still reverberates ten years later.”

Defrag participants sat in the audience, listening intently. Photographs of Halima, Neema and Tumaini appeared on the video screens with big grins. Another spark was ignited.

Founding Director Janice Lathen presents at Defrag

“I heard and watched Janice present to the audience at the Defrag conference,” said Larry Hawes, Research Director, Gigaom Research. “I was blown away by her and Powering Potential’s work. So was the rest of the audience.”

Janice had 30 minutes with the audience and donations kept coming in. The contributions were an unexpected bonus of the presentation, a reminder that this project touches individual lives.

Janice already had much to appreciate from Defrag connections. Another keynote speaker, Lorinda Brandon, had introduced Janice to the convention organizers, Eric and Kim Norlin, which led to her invitation to speak. Her travel expenses were sponsored by Mike Maney, VP Brand & Communications, of Cloud Foundry Foundation. The Norlins covered conference costs. Then came the exciting news that Charlie Wood, Co-founder and CEO at Numerous, would match whatever was raised from Defrag attendees. It was staggering: a total of $8,025 including the matching grant.

“The recognition of Powering Potential and the work we do is so fulfilling,” said Janice. “Tanzania is a special place. To see that our work, and the work of our partners in Tanzania, is appreciated just renews our energy to do more.”

“We have ambitious goals for the years ahead and plan to have more computer labs up and running as long as people continue to join forces with us to make it happen,” she continued. “Our new connections through Defrag — and the immediacy of their response to Powering Potential — gives us new energy to keep moving forward.”

“Onward and upward!”

Swahili is the language of Tanzania. Here is another taste of that beautiful language:

Mimi ni Mmarekani.
I am an American.

Mimi ni Mtanzania.
I am a Tanzanian.

Our team installing a computer lab for Kabasa Secondary School

They waited.

School was over for the day — actually school ended hours ago — but some of the Bunda District students lingered as the team from Powering Potential Inc. (PPI) installed solar energy systems and filled the schools’ Computer Labs with their new computers.

It had been a long and bumpy road. Delivery shipments were late; the distance to headquarters was great, adding to the logistical challenge; and grant confusion added uncertainty to the mix.

“It was a long, arduous journey,” said Janice Lathen, Founding Director of PPI, “but it had a joyful ending for 1,200 students. That made it all worthwhile. I’d like to thank the donors who made this possible.”

Sazira students decided to help our team unpack for the installation

Our institutional donors on this project came from Tanzania and the U.S. alongside the individuals listed at the end of this blog. All are eager to provide Tanzanian students with educational resources.

Over 10% of the installation costs for three schools in the Bunda District was provided by the Bunda District Council. Additional funding came from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Foundation, Newman’s Own Foundation, United Nations Women’s Guild, SanDisk Corporation, Serena Hotels (Tanzania), Segal Family Foundation, Issroff Family Foundation, and Bety N. Giles Charitable Foundation.

The schools were chosen to bring PPI to the home district of former Minister of State Stephen Wasira who helped facilitate this program. It is a great example of PPI’s strong dedication to working closely with the government of Tanzania.

In this, the 11th, 12th and 13th installation, computers were placed in new labs for Sazira, Kabasa and Mekomariro Secondary Schools. It takes a great team to put together one school installation, let alone three.

Mekomariro Secondary School students test out their new lab

The excitement was palpable as the students waited to begin their training course. We asked what they intended to do in the lab.

David Wilson from Form 1 replied: “I will use the computer to search material.” “I will use the computer to learn science,” said Tongoli Ntarisa.
Another student added: “My name is Doto Noah of Form 3. I will use the computer for learning resources!”

Country Director Albin Mathias led the charge with several team members he’d like to thank. The installation team included Luther Lee and the three school trainers: Neema Lyimo for Sazira,
Denis Christopher for Kabasa, and Karmeli Marko for Mekomariro. V. Ena Haines, Rich Segal and Manny Ackerman also provided technical support to the team.

Special thanks to these members of the team for providing the financial resources: Ahna, Adam, Amy, Anand, Andy, Anicetus, Anna, Anne & Stephen, Arnie & Karen, Barry, Ben, Beth, Betsy, Bob & Barbara, Brad, Brendan, Brooke, Campbell, Carol, Chris, Christa, Chuck & Carole, Clay, Colin, Cynthia, Dale, Dan, David, David & Jon, Defrag 2015, Doris & Gabe, Dorothy, Duncan, Edward, Elizabeth, Emilia, Emily, Eve, Fred, Friends at FreepositoryCorp., Gauri, Gregg, Hope, Janice, Jean, Jeff, John, Jonathan, Josh, Judith, Kelly, Kyle, Larry, Lisa & David, Liz, Lorinda, Lynn & Carrie, Madeline, Marc & Lili, Margaret & Jim, Mark, Matthew, Maura, Michael & Ena, Milt, Nan, Nancy, Nicky, Nina, Patrick & Kathy, Patti, Paul, Peter, PJW LC, Rich & Joanna, Robert, Robin, Ryan, Sara, Sharon, Shula & Marvin, Steve, Steve & Linda, Surya & Bushra, Susanne, Suzanne, Tanya, Tom & Pam, Veronica, and Warren.

“This is a great accomplishment for our team and I am thrilled.” said Janice.

And as leaders do, she is already turning her focus to future school installations and program implementations in the Karatu District in February 2016.

Swahili is the language of Tanzania.
Here is another taste of that beautiful language:

Subira yavuta heri.
Patience attracts blessings.

The equipment which we will use to implement our program in the Bunda District near Lake Victoria has arrived at our office in Karatu, Tanzania. Albin Mathias, Country Director, and the staff are preparing for a Phase 1 implementation at three schools: Kabasa, Sazira, and Mekomariro Secondary Schools.

Each school has prepared a secure computer lab and provided the tables and chairs. The Bunda District Council contributed 10,000,000 TZ shillings (US $5,800). The printers, keyboards, mice, projector screens, headsets, routers, Ethernet cable and solar energy systems are all purchased from Tanzanian vendors and the other equipment is shipped from the United States to Arusha, Tanzania.

The equipment shipped from the U.S. for this Phase 1 project in three schools includes:

• 30 Raspberry Pi computers
• 28 Raspberry Pi cases
• 18 Monitors and HDMI computer cables
• 3 16-port network switches
• 17 stereo cables
• 35 SD memory cards (donated by SanDisk)
• 3 Pocket Projectors
• 3 Projector external batteries
• 6 Capsule Speakers with rechargeable batteries
• 10 high precision clock chips for the Raspberry Pi
• 6 USB 2.0 flash drives
• 2 rolls of industrial strength tape

Our Country Director, Albin Mathias, recently represented Powering Potential at Banjika Secondary School’s graduation ceremony celebrating their 10th anniversary. Banjika was the location of Powering Potential’s pilot program in 2007. We are honored to have participated in this momentous occasion, and thank the Prime Minister’s Office for this certificate in commemoration.

From left: Abdulla, Mathias, Othman & driver Mr. Faki

In April, we told you about the exciting grant we received from the Raspberry Pi Foundation and the Segal Family Foundation to support the installation of the Pi-oneer system in 56 schools in Tanzania.

The Pi-oneer is a Raspberry Pi computer loaded with offline educational content combined with a mobile projector and solar recharging unit. We’re excited to now update you on our progress!

We are working closely with the Tanzanian government to plan for this project. We will be implementing the program in four regions of the country – two on the mainland and two in Zanzibar.

Powering Potential will place a Pi-oneer system in 20 schools in each of the two mainland regions, and 16 systems in the Zanzibar archipelago, for a total of 56 schools. Each system will be placed in a rural government secondary school.

Albin Mathis, Powering Potential Country Director recently visited the Zanzibar schools with Ministry of Education-Zanzibar (MoEZ) Officers as part of the program’s pre-installation procedure. Ali O. Abdulla, Networking and System Admin (MoEZ ICT dept.) and Ranmadhan Othman, Student Services Officer (MoEZ), accompanied me on the trip.

The Zanzibar archipelago is comprised of two main islands (Unguja and Pemba) and smaller islets. One of the schools is reachable only by boat and another one only when the tide is out and a pathway opens up. Below are Albin’s photos and captions from the school visits:

The experience of crossing the ocean to Tumbatu Island

Uzi is small Island in Unguja.  The main transport to the island is by car or foot.

Another marker outside of one of the schools.

Ministry Officers received coconuts from students at Head of School’s office during the visit.

Albin drinking coconut given to him from the students.

Having the new experience of heading towards Fundo Island, Pemba

Seated from left: Khamis, Salim, and Issa Standing from left: Kitwana and Kombo

This week, we want to introduce you to Powering Potential’s Country Director, Eng. Albin Mathias, in his own words.

Background and Introduction to Powering Potential

Albin briefing His Excellency Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania

I was born and grew up in Arusha in the north of Tanzania.  I went to Tanga Technical Secondary School in 2002 and then to Old Moshi High School in 2006.  After graduation, I worked as a physics and chemistry teacher at Banjika Secondary School.  While teaching in Banjika, I spent my free time in the computer lab working on two laptops donated by Janice Lathen [Founding Director and President].  After a few months of practice by myself, I couldn’t believe the experience I was having and how useful the resources had become to my fellow teachers and students.

On her next trip to Tanzania, Janice met with me in the computer lab. Janice and I worked with the technology with Banjika students, and then I conducted a training at the Noonkodin and Oltoroto schools, introducing the computers to middle and high school students and their teachers.

Albin with Ross Wehner, World Action Team

I graduated from St. Joseph University in Tanzania with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Information Systems and Network Engineering, and became Powering Potential’s Country Director in 2011.

Experience with Powering Potential

It has been a great honor to be part of the Powering Potential team.  As part of this team, I feel proud and energized.  It’s been an honor to meet and discuss our programs with High Government officials, especially to exhibit the programs to the President, Prime Minister, and other Ministers and Permanent Secretaries.

Albin with Zuberi Samataba, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Education) PMO-RALG, and Walter Minja

I also very much appreciate collaborating with District Executive Directors (DED), District Education Officers (DEO), the heads of schools, teachers, and students. Besides the challenges of limited budgets, most schools have been very cooperative with Powering Potential in bringing the world of technology to their community.

Honestly, I enjoy working with different people, meeting different cultures, and travelling across the country. It has been a great experience for me. Powering Potential is very important to me: in addition to being an employment opportunity, it has really powered my own potential. Powering Potential is where I recognized my own potential.

Teacher Training

Powering Potential is partnering with the Hassan Maajar Trust to provide a computer lab and training to the Shimbwe Secondary School near Moshi, Tanzania. The Hassan Maajar Trust was founded by Ambassador Mwanaidi Sinare Maajar who is the former Tanzanian Ambassador to the U.S. and a Senior Partner at Rex Attorneys in Dar es Salaam.

From June 15-26, Powering Potential installed the RACHEL server and computer network, and provided training for school leaders. Those being trained included the Headmaster, Second Master, two teachers and the school secretary. All school representatives were enthusiastic about the training and took to the technology very well. Powering Potential trainer, Elibariki Magnus, led the sessions.

RACHEL Pi server and router

Hassan Maajar Trust provided 10 laptops, as well as the tables and chairs for the computer lab. Powering Potential is providing technology consulting services. At Shimbwe, Elibariki installed a RACHEL server with offline educational content. RACHEL (Remote Access Community Hotspots for Education and Learning) is produced by World Possible and includes Khan Academy educational videos, selected Wikipedia articles, medical reference books, ebooks of world literature from Project Gutenberg, and other materials.

Elibariki then provided training on the server content and Raspberry Pi system over a two week period. He was able to work with the faculty and staff at Shimbwe, who were all excited to have the new computer system.

Students using RACHEL

Everyone was very happy with the training, stating that it was “well conducted” and “the education program will be useful to students and teachers.” The teachers and students will use this system to access educational program content, teaching assistance, and reference materials. At the end of the training, the Headmaster remarked “I hope this new program to our school will motivate and encourage students’ learning.”  We hope so too!