So Colin,...... what are you doing??

My role is divided into two parts firstly assisting the staff at KISC to improve their IT skills. Secondly to help local Nepali schools with their computers and to improve the teaching of IT.
In the former case I have run an introductory course for new staff and have now surveyed the remainder of the teachers to identify what other training they need.Then I will have to devise suitable training courses.
As far as working with local Nepali schools: I have visited three schools and carried out equipment audits in two of them.
One school had been given 10 computers about nine years ago by the Singaporeans and Japanese. Unfortunately half of the computers are no longer working and the others have not been used for teaching purposes for lack of a skilled maintenance. This demonstrates the down side of peoples generosity in that that unless money is put aside for ongoing maintenance and training someone to look after the machines and keep them up to date, then the computers fall into disrepair.
The second school is run by a missionary from Kerala in India and their 4 computers are much more modern and have the potential for upgrading. My main role though will be to train the school's teachers in how to use the computers as an aid for teaching the children.
The third school I have visited was up at the top of a hill outside of Kathmandu, a pretty hairy drive up a muddy track where we often slid towards the edge of a sheer drop.
This school has been provided with laptop computers as part of the "One Laptop per Child Project"
It was just amazing to see Grade 2 and Grade 6 children from a very rural background using educational software on these amazing laptop machines.
The school also had some desktop computers which again were need of repair and so we brought them back to KISC where we have repaired them. We are now hoping to put some of the "One Laptop" programs onto these machines so other pupils at the school can make use them.
I hope this gives you a feel for the work I am involved with, and that I am not just having a nice holiday in Kathmandu! Colin