Kopernik

With the majority of the population being under 18, education is an important facet of Kenyan life. In rural areas in Kenya where communications technology is still developing, schools are not only a place for children to learn, they also act as a hub through which information can be disseminated in the community. Our local partner, Action for Child Development Trust (ACDT), relies heavily on school networks for outreach work. Thier mission is to empower children by visiting schools and educating them about their rights and responsibilities. 

Did you know that Google was originally called BackRub? That Nissan was originally called Datsun? Or that Indonesia was originally called the Dutch East Indies?

Following in the footsteps of some great moments in renaming, we are very happy to announce that our Wartek technology store is now called (drumroll, please): Tech Kiosk!

Tech Kiosk Logo

I am on the ferry, in a cabin, on the way to Pante Macassar in the exclave district of Oecusse, Timor-Leste. Kopernik has entrusted me to assess the impact of the Light Up Oecusse project, which distributes solar lamps to rural people who live beyond the reach of the power grid and are otherwise reliant on other forms of lighting including kerosene lanterns, torches, candles and even the burning of salvaged rubber or plastic washed up on the beaches.

Talking to youth about science, culture and technology is always exciting. If there is one thing I've learned while piloting Kopernik's international education efforts it is that kids are excited by learning and sharing what they know... and they know a lot. 

“What is this?” I asked while showing a group of San Francisco’s youth a d.light S2 solar lantern.