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Master Plan is Ready!
LinkNet rolled out its first ‘proof-of-concept’ in Macha, in the Southern Province in Zambia. Macha shows that a holistic community approach with ICT communication and building of ICT capabilities does help to create the necessary turnaround to improve the future for rural communities. The implementation of rural communications infrastructure and basic information technology (ICT) services in the rural settlement of Macha is successfully accomplished during 2004 and 2005. The vision is to bring the same benefits to all 200+ rural sites in Zambia. Before embarking on the full vision it is necessary to gain wider experience. The first experience is added by doing implementations in a variety of 3-5 different rural environments. The second experience is deploying implementations as an continuous series of about 10% full scale, i.e. 20 rural sites. The objective is to test and streamline the four key elements for success found in Macha in different environments and implementation programs:
The gaining and consolidating of experience with 25 implementations before embarking on the full vision of all 200+ rural sites is the subject of the Master Plan. The plan is in the attachment to this posting. This concludes a process of a number of years, becoming feasible through the broad mindedness of Dr. Phil Thuma, Executive Director of the Malaria Institute of Macha (MIAM) and Mr. Mukuwa Kalambo of Macha Mission Hospital, to open up the ICT network developed at MIAM to the Macha community at large. Brethren in Christ Church, proprietary of Macha Mission, Bishop Thuma Hamukang’andu supports LinkNet in allowing the new development of MIAM, Vision Community Center with its LinkNet Workshop, and now a LinkNet campus at its mission farm in Macha. Within this supportive environment new ideas are able to grow to fruition, and new experts have room for development. Churches Health Association of Zambia has shown equal support through allowing experts from rural Macha to do a good job in Lusaka. By allowing to build a ICT network at CHAZ 'proof of capability' was achieved, and such is supported financially and practically by CHAZ. Both Dr. Biemba and Dr. Mphuka are instrumental to allow ventures in uncharted territory, and the results are certainly been worth it! Challenger Mr. Shuller Habeenzu of the Communications Authority of Zambia was instrumental to document developments at Macha and the LinkNet concept, this ignited the development of this document. Also continuous attention and encouragements of the Royal Netherlands Embassy, Mr. Marco Gerritsen, Ambassador Middeldorp, and others are facilitating. This support for rural a rural initiative from Lusaka based experts is encouraging. Also the attention and blessing of Mr. Sprietsma, Head of Delegation/Ambassador, European Commission in Zambia is special. During visits to the ICT set up in Macha by the Central Board of Health, the Royal Netherlands Embassy, and the Swedish Embassy many encouragements were received. We are grateful for personal efforts to come to Macha and witness the true effects of ICT communications development in a rural settlement and community previously deprived from these services. Flying Mission has shown clear direction in its practical support for LinkNet. It shows unconditional support to the initiative in many ways. Often, Joel Bolthouse, Don Amborski, Rick Rempel and colleagues come to Macha to ferry LinkNet experts around Zambia. Without Flying Mission no LinkNet, that is for sure! PrivaServe Foundation from the Netherlands, humanitarian experts from South Africa, have shown continued interest in the LinkNet development at every step forward. These are partners. Last but not least many individuals put in lots of time in LinkNet. First of all, Gregory Mweemba, who came knocking on our door one day, wanting to learn computers, who was the first LinkNet associate. Oscar Kaate, Ascenic Muleya, Otzbert Kasokola, and others are working for LinkNet day and night. Jan Just Keijser, Robin Mastenbroek, Mark Bennet, Rolof Mulder, and Maurice Commandeur – some even spending considerable time in Macha - all have put lots of expert effort in the concept, committed to create real ICT value for local people living in rural areas.
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The objective of LinkNet's Master Plan is to convey to potential funders that an investment of € 2,25 million in steps of € 250.000, € 500.000, and € 1.500.000 will open up 25 rural sites over a period of 3 – 5 years to worldwide internet. The objective is also to demonstrate that this is