David Wampamba

Author: David

  • Why single board computers are expensive?

    Like I defined earlier a single board computer, is just a circuit board without anything else. Just like a bare motherboard of a normal computer.
    Without extra parts one can not run it. One if it’s advantage over a normal computer motherboard is it’s having inbuilt RAM, a Processor and being portable. Which can actually turnout to be disadvantageous, if one of the inbuilt parts fails, you would have to go back to shops and spend $35 again, if it was a Raspberry PI 3 board. This can be a negative challenge to low income earners from developing parts of the world like Uganda, East Africa.
    The needed parts to run a single board computer as a functioning computer are, usually a 5v DC power adaptor, MicroSD memory card usually up to 128GB supported,  a heatsink & cooling fun, a chassis, a keyboard, a mouse, an HDMI cable and display monitor.
    Roughly all can cost $100 to $200, depending on where you buy them. And if you’re outside USA, Canada & U.K you may have to add shipping costs.
    Let’s pause and ask ourselves a question, would this be affordable in Uganda and many parts of Africa?
    Realistically, millions of families struggle to afford a $1 meal everyday, how could they afford $100+ for a gadget? Especially because they are ignorant about it, they will never know it’s relevance and impact potential.
    If by chance, they afford, they would have to invest in electricity power, internet and learning.
    Inconclusion.
    Is a single board computer the solution to uplift & empower young African people? If the answer is no. Then what else? Could there be other ways through which we could get these gadgets, instead of buying them? Would it be possible, for us to run a crowdfund campaign raise some money and start materialising the vision.
    The questions are many but for now let’s call it a day as I wait for your input.
    Cheers!

  • Wow… can one board computers be this pretty?

    For those following my posts, you could be aware about my desire to conceptualize the idea of helping every youth in Uganda to have access to a computer.
    I know a little about law prohibiting importation of second hand/used laptops which would have been easier or cheaper  for a non profit project, runing in a third world country but with vibrant people yarning for a chance to empowerment.
    Of course it doesn’t mean they don’t come into the country but how and where they pass, a small dude wouldn’t want to take that chances! 
    Like the saying goes as some doors close others open. Recently I came across  a single board computer, called a a Raspberry PI. 
    It’s a single board computer because it is a credit card size board, integrated with RAM, Wi-fi, 4 USB ports, Micro SD card slot, and HDMI port. I find it’s price of $35 friendly to the poor people who find it hard to make both ends meet but are highly enthusiastic about learning how to use computers.  For that price one gets a tool he can use it type documents, surf internet, send emails, learn to code and be able play some games.
    The Raspberry PI 3, inspired competitors such as the Banana PI, lattePanda and Orange PI to mention a few. The competitors have high end single board computers shipping with maximum of 4GB RAM and onboard eMMc storage. Mobile computing and internet of things is just getting easier.
    For us who will run this project it puts us in a better position to segment our market and be able to serve them all well.
    Take for example some audience would feel free to use Raspbian Os which is a linux distro but others would prefer windows. Thus the windows market will go for the Banana PI.
    Ultimately, I would the single board computer, a computer of choice for schools, community empowerment initiatives, learners, hardware geeks, robotics, media center set ups and so much more.
     
     

  • How will I achieve a 10,000 youth empowerment goal?

    Normally I blog once a week, but I missed last week because I was interrupted by the journey to Nairobi, Kenya. Sorry my readers for keeping you waiting.
    If you have been following my previous blog posts then you’re familiar to my dream of empowering the youth of Africa. I emphasize that I will start at home because that’s where I know better, so it helps. I will also be focusing solving the problem of ignorance/unawareness in the community. Catch up the introductory part of the project and second part discussing the reason why I chose computers as the tool.
    Today I continue to write about the project in which I hold strong belief to positively improve the life of many youths and young people in Uganda and across Africa. My ultimate goal is 10,000 youths by end of 2026.
    How will I make it possible.

    1. Do more research.

    I believe it will be a vital step to do more research about the technology I choose. In fact recently I watched a YouTube video comparing the Raspberry PI gadget with another gadget called a Nano PI. The performance difference were minimal though the price difference was significant.

    Also I have to visit places where a similar project is taking place to learn, pick inspiration and study the differences their model has to in contrast to the one I hope to use. It will also allow opportunities to understand the concept, it’s advantages and disadvantages.

    If I cannot find any local places doing this, I will research for international places which also gives an opportunity to travel internationally for this reason.

    2. Make a concept paper & create a work plan.

    It’s fortunate I have observed the problem in my community, thought of the idea and set up a projected milestone to achieve by end of 2026.

    To get closer I have an important question to answer. Which is how am I planing to achieve the goal/vision. What are the specific steps, I will make? What do I need to take these steps?  Where will I get the resources needed? Is the project sustainable? Who is my competition? What are the exact pain points of project beneficiaries?

    I will be grateful.

    3. Build a functional prototype

    This is the step am so excited about. I can’t imagine the happiness. Anyway, it’s soon happening because I already pitched the idea to someone who funded so that I get the Raspberry PI 3 and build it for his kids. Of course delivery from USA to Uganda takes forever, waiting a couple weeks.

    I also hope to document the process and share it with you my followers.

    4. Pitch to impact funders.

    5. Go to the market and build a team.

    That’s it for now, I have to get back and complete my YALI Application before I resume coding the WordPress theme which I hope to use with tourism website projects, I handle this year.
    Do you want to contribute anything towards the project, get in touch via the comment box.
    Cheers!

  • Why choose a computer as tool to empower youths in Uganda?

    Like 2 weeks ago I wrote about empowering a rural child in Uganda, in the article I focused on building affordable computer units as tools to be used in the process. This is why I think they are ultimately offering a competitive advantage.

    1. Various opportunities.

    12 years ago, the only thing I was able to do was to play soccer which soccer would not help me earn and help the people around me. After spending many years of learning how to use the computer, now am able to support myself with basic needs, as well as support my fellow youths through teaching them what I know of which a big part, I learned using computers. In fact right now am typing on this blog, using a computer, the blog itself is hosted on a certain computer somewhere.

    Like me who is now a happy website designer, web application developer, junior mobile application developer many others are photographers, Bboys, artists, writers, bloggers, rappers such as Abramz the founder of Break Dance Project Uganda an organisation which uses breakdance, Hiphop, art & education for empowerment & positive social change and tech developers such as Solomon King a founder of Fundibots a social enterprise which uses Raspberry PI, to teach kids and youths about robotics have some sort of computer influence in their life.

    2. Communication

    Imagine a world where everyone was silent about their achievements, instructions towards their teams, important messages towards their families, friends and loved ones. In my opinion the world would be a mess. To avoid that, the computer is playing an integral role to support internet which transmits information in a snap of a finger. The computer also helps the deaf and the visually impaired to communicate. Without the computer human communication would be harder.

    However, though computers are available, a big part of the world is missing out on this great opportunity to communicate with the rest of the world. I think it’s one of the greatest actions in human history to make computers accessible to the youths of Uganda and the rest of world.

    3. Data collection, storage and analysis

    Pilots need data, health service providers need data, radio presenters, sportsmen, farmers; name it all we all need data. The data we need should be sourced from various parts of the world, but according to statistics made by http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats1.htm  indicating 9.4% of Africa contribute to the overall World internet users.

    So in my opinion, if 24 people, from different communities in Uganda, have access to computers, data sourcing is mostly like to double, if not triple.

    4. Setup businesses

    With the skills have developed over the years, I have been able to found 2 businesses including Gagawala Graphics Ltd which is using computers and digital technology to deliver affordable quality graphics design such as logos, brochures, calendars, memorable ceremony cards, company profiles as well as print them and design websites to boost the market for local businesses and organisation initiatives online. We are serving over 100 customers every year and we have built a team of 8, skilled youths.

    I also run a social enterprise “You Inspire You” using computers, digital technology,. discussions and writing to empower people and uplift communities. With You Inspire You, we have reached over 400 youths and adults in a period of a year, teaching them how to use computers, about personal development, starting and run sustainable businesses.

    As an individual the benefits and the things I have been able to involve are many but it’s because of the computer skills I have. I see incredible business starting in Africa, or existing businesses get boosted if we ease computer accessibility by youths.

  • How to uplift a rural child in Uganda.

    How to uplift a rural child in Uganda.

    In Uganda, approximately 70 % of young people living in the urban areas don’t have access to computers. Worst of the matter is that you may find 40% of them have also never seen or practically used a computer for once in a lifetime.
    They are possibly like me at 14 years of age, I had never seen one though I heard about it, I used to think it referred to a walking robot, such as the one I watched in movies. However, that happened to me a decade and 2 years ago. Shocking isn’t it? I wouldn’t expect someone today to find it hard to access a computer or be able to use one!
    However, similarly to other countries in Africa; the largest part of Uganda is a rural area. Rural areas are negatively affected by having poor education, poor health care, ignorance and many disadvantages you could imagine of including poverty. 
    Some of the biggest reasons why youths and adults don’t have access to computers is ignorance & poverty, in my own opinion.
    Other factors could be lack of connectivity to national grid hindering the access to electricity which could be used to power the computer devices. And even if the connectivity was in existence in the rural and urban areas of Uganda, many families struggle to put food on the table, which means they couldn’t afford spending on computers.
    In many countries children use computers to create things like robotics, play games, have fun with friends and this keeps them curious, creative and productive. It also helps them not to get involved in drug abuse, sex abuse and many other bad habits.
    The same or better, is what I also want to happen in Uganda. At least by 2030, it should be very easy for someone to access and effectively use a computer. Employment opportunities among the youths to have improved due to skills acquired through using computers.

    How is this possible.

    We can start by building less power consumption, portable and affordable computers. 
    With only $100, it’s possible to build a portable DC powered computer for a youth. Two or more youths can even use one in intervals so that everyone gets to learn how to use a computer and leverage the opportunities that come with it.
    Since Uganda’s population is largely young people, actually 78% all being below the age of 35 years; according to wikipedia and the Uganda’s recent census in 2015. This is not a one man’s task.
    What shall we do together?
    We shall build portable, DC powered functional computer kits, installed with open source software.
    Though we shall be able to build sellable computer units, our major aim is to uplift rural communities for free. And we hope to approach impact & climate change funders, to invest the initial capital to support us to build the first 50 pilot units.
    Our pilot phase, will involve introducing community labs comprising of 3 to 5 units per lab per community. This means, in a day of 8 hours, one lab will be able to give access to 24 up to 40 youths at a rate of 1 individual per computer per hour.
    The computer kits!
    Each computer set will be a composition of a Raspberry PI, Memory Card, LCD monitor, USB keyboard, USB mouse and other necessary cables. Each full unit could cost between $120 to $145. Approximately UGX 407,249/= to UGX 492,093/= according to Google currency converter as of today 09/Oct/2016.
    Initial training
    In the first week, after setting up the lab, we shall conduct free workshops, to train youths and citizens of that particular community, on how to use these computers, troubleshoot them and in partnership with other social enterprises, we will educate them in personal development and leadership.
    Our aim for these workshops, is to build/develop a self-sustaining project in which the citizens of the community have a bigger commitment and responsibility.

  • Good News: Equity bank and PayPal announcement to improve investment.

    In a bid to improve their service for Kenya citizens PayPal and Equity Bank Kenya have just announced improvements in their service.
    PayPal is an online (internet based) payment service originating from United States of America. PayPal helps individuals and business/organisations to send or receive payments across different countries of the world.
    However not all PayPal features are available in to the citizens of every country. For example, the citizens of Kenya’s neighbor to the West “Uganda”, is able to use PayPal features such pay for goods and send payments but is not able receive payments and pay for goods.
    This has been different for citizens in Kenya, especially for the Equity Bank customers and US bank account holders. Even though of recent funds withdrawn from PayPal wallet to Equity bank Kenya had to take 8 days ( more than a week) to be deposited on the bank account.
    This announcement made by both financial giants confirm the reduction of this delay by 5 days, to bring the delay down to a maximum of 3 days.
    This is means more cash flow for the I.T population which largely earns from online money making like blogging, working on upwork and other freelance platforms.
    This moves is also a step forward towards increasing the chances of investment by the locals who earn online.
    For instance, in 30 days, a earner of 100 USD online in a period of 10 days, will have access to 300 USD in cash feasible to be invested.
     
     
     

  • CMS Africa Summit here again and this time in Abuja.

    CMS Africa Summit here again and this time in Abuja.

    It’s happening for the forth time in Africa, it’s a summit to learn and share a lot of information especially about web technologies, content management systems in particular.
    Catch up the recap of the recent CMS Africa Summit 2016 in Kampala at Gems Cambridge International school below.
    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DebjlCdSSRk]
    When you go to this event  you could become an influencer in your niche. You could as well improve the market for your products and services. You could also discover new ideas and ways of executing them. My biggest take away was networking with many new people who love what you love.
    Similarly if you attended as a participant there is a lot more to learn, competitions to participate in and win.
    In 2017, CMS Africa Summit will happen on 10th and 11th March, 2017 in Abuja at FUNTAJ INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
    What’s amazing are the friendly prices of the attendance tickets. Imagine a full day ticket goes for 3000 NGN while a 2 day ticket is at 5000 NGN. Every ticket you get qualifies you to Entrance, Coffee Break, Certificate, and Workshop. What a cheap way to learn, educate, and network.
    This year’s theme is empowering technology through opensource. I encourage you to come as individual, or team or group of friends,  you won’t be disappointed.
    Membership types are attend, speaker and sponsor. Click here to buy a ticket and learn more about the event.

  • Why the way you treat money determines your financial freedom?

    I have had a chat with someone who has seen me struggling to clear debts and going after my goals. In our conversation, he asked. David you’re an entrepreneur, ain’t you?
    Me: Yes, I am.
    Him: How comes you don’t live a life of a smart entrepreneur?
    Me: Why are you saying so?
    Him: David whenever you receive an income, you have a debt to clear. Why is it that way?
     
    Of course, I had answers like, I don’t have a stable income because my businesses are not profitable at the moment. Also a lot of people owe me money that in total the amount would buy me a good brand new car or a plot of land or even better make me a great investment in one of my businesses.
     
    That’s it David. I see a lot of that among aspiring entrepreneurs and it’s one of the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t.
     
    Money is money, it’s a necessity everywhere in the world. The only difference is how it’s treated.
     
    What if you lay down a strategy for your income. For example break it into percentages, so that whenever you receive it. You save part of it and part to spend on paying debts. That means you don’t all of it paying debt at once but you remain with some. Of course the savings you also be done with a goal in mind.
     
    You’re just not saving just for it. You are saving for the money to help you live fully. Otherwise like most unsuccessful people in this world, they become slaves of money. Because they’re live expenditure, they borrow, they work then they pay debt, and the cycle goes on.
     
    They will blame the poor economy and systems as the cause for their failure. On top of underestimating their potential and responsibility in playing a role to make everything around better. By forgetting that at some point, you will grow old and be the one to blame or thank. You become a prisoner of poverty. Success is a journey, so live by traveling it.
     
    Me: I’m listening and learning.
    Him: Have you ever worked for low pay because you badly need money?
    Me: Yes of course, because sometimes I need pay my bills and if I don’t settle for this less I won’t be in the position to take care of my bills.
    Him: And I tell you that is what is called not to live fully. Producing quality comes at a good pay. Of course people negotiate, and pay slightly less your quotation which is totally different from accepting a low pay because of the need to work on bills. By the way, would you work on this particular client, if you were sure you have a saving that can take of everything as you hang for someone who is able to pay you what you want? Of course not.

  • How can I help the human race progress? The 7 Tips

    Have you ever looked for someone who can give you some tips to help you progress at anything in life? How about challenging yourself to share 7 tips to people. For me my people are my blog readers. Because you care, I also care and would like to share with you my tips. We humans survive if some humans cares and gives a hand otherwise we would lose hope. That’s why I have decided to write this series once a week. The posts in the series will be about anything in the categories but not limited to personal development, business, coding and writing etc.

    1. Don’t launch unless you’ve done research.

    Because we are desperate for recognition, we sometimes forget the basic principles to birthing ideas. Of course all ideas are mostly problem solving but you don’t want to approach your solutions the same way others do. Because that would feel like copy and paste. So to be on the safe side do some research and analyse whether your solution is not offered by others, and if is offered by others, how best and authentically can you beat competition. Research does not only help you to uniquely package your idea, it also helps you find and define your audience.

    2. Define the client avatar.

    If you want to be a top seller, you would never leave out this stage, else you would be doomed. Whether it’s a non-profit idea it’s needs a buyer, all ideas need buyers in form of consumers. As much as you some entrepreneurs start by targeting a mass market, not many start ups, can sustain this. Lack of client avatar usually misleads because without it you don’t know who to focus on and at the end of it, you listen to everyone. Everyone may not buy. Yet developing and producing for everyone takes a bigger budget than producing for a a targeted audience. So know who you want to sale to, how many are they, where are they located etc.

    3. Build and keep a happy inspired team.

    However much the idea is the best at the right time, without a team it will never make it to the second consumer, assuming you and your family are the first consumers.
    To take it out there someone must be committed to put in time and develop, package, market, sale it, listen to customer feedback, correct errors and the cycle continues. Which means if you don’t keep a consistent,  happy and inspired team you will likely experience hardships if not fail completely.
    How to keep the team happy and inspired, first hire character as much as skill. The rest about this story for another day.

    4. Let your brand standout!

    If your brand doesn’t standout it will eventually fade out completely and serve no one. Corporate branding is important, so do and keep it professionally smart, unique and consistent. In Uganda, I know and have worked with many branding agencies those who serve locally and internationally. I have found Gagawala Graphics to be the new kids on the Brock, but understand the game. Check them out! They take you through choosing the right colors, to logos, flyers, brochures, colors, invitation cards, business cards, and all the way to building and launching a website.

    5. Learn marketing and embrace marketing 3.0

    Today is not industrial days, today is digital and it will continue to be for some years until virtual reality will take over the world. Which is not going to happen soon since the technology is not as affordable as smartphones. Marketing 3.0 is about inventing solutions which solve real problems, and are spiritually connecting with the consumer. It’s also about complementary goods. You don’t want to miss out. It’s cheaper than traditional marketing, for example a $5 USD daily budget, would get you into eyes of many.

    6. Be ready!

    Are you ready, as in do you really know people? Like Simon Sinek, said if you don’t know people, you don’t know business. I totally agree with him. You must be ready to understand what people need and not only that, you also need to provide them what’s better than they want. Look at Apple products for example, at their prices, their consistence, durability and portability is taking allover the planet. Simply everyone needs a phone, but a phone which is secure and can take good photos, is just better than a usual phone. Are you ready? Define your craft, work it intensively, be ready to offer the best. And also be ready to be reject sometimes.

    7. Get a mentor and a leadership coach.

    I don’t agree with you, if you think you are the only genius on this planet. School grades tend to hype people and they forget that the solutions they must make large depends on the people’s lifestyle. This is why you need a mentor. You need someone who is knowledgeable, open-minded and willing to educate. You need that person has gone through it, seen it all, had a fair share of failures and enjoyed some success.
    It will be helpful to spend less while learning quality and fast enough. As much as you need such people in physical life, sometimes it’s hard especially in the developing countries. Then social media should be your best market place to find an indirect mentor. Check out linkedIn profiles, facebook and instagram. Choose the best in your field, follow them, interact with them, read their biography, ask them questions, buy their books, DVDs and give time to listen. You won’t be disappointed.

    Conclusion

    If you read up this line, then you care, thanks for supporting me and feel free to send me questions. Add tips through comments and if you think the information may help someone, please share it.

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