BOSCO-Uganda
Encyclopedia
BOSCO-Uganda is a private, non-profit effort to put wireless internet and VoIP telephony into the internally displaced persons camps of northern Uganda
, in cooperation with the Archdiocese of Gulu
. BOSCO (standing for Battery Operated Systems for Community Outreach, but named also in honor of the Roman Catholic Saint John Bosco) collaborated with Inveneo http://www.inveneo.com to place their low-power PCs powered by solar panels in the Catechist Training Center and the Caritas Office in Gulu, as well as at schools, hospitals, colleges and Churches in the Pabbo, Alero, Lacor, Coope, Jen'Geri, Unyama, and Pagak IDP camps. The organization aims to use ICT to help end the isolation of communities in rural northern Uganda]as well as improve education
, economics
, human rights documentation, health care and rural development.
.
Their strategy is based on ICT and computer education for rural communities, with a particular focus on Web 2.0
applications and usage; ICT for sustainable rural development, livelihoods and income generation; and research and installation of innovative ICT technologies for rural areas.
BOSCO “envisions open and peaceful rural communities, ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the globalized world in the 21st century.”
from the technological developments rapidly evolving in their own country and throughout the world. This isolation and lack of access to 21st century Information and Communication Technologies
(ICT) has prevented communities from using the Internet
for creative and innovative ways to meet community needs.
Instead, many communities have become reliant on traditional aid. However, with peace in northern Uganda
, BOSCO-Uganda attempts to turn dependency into self-advocacy through the use of innovative and collaborative ICT technologies.
Initiated in 2006 under the umbrella of Gulu Archdiocese, BOSCO-Uganda implemented a pilot ICT project in 6 IDP-camps in Gulu
and Amuru
district (including Choo Pe, Unyama, Lacor, Pagak, Pabbo and Jengari). BOSCO-Uganda has since expanded its activities in Amuru and Gulu and is planning the further expansion to Kitgum
and Pader District
s.
BOSCO-Uganda uses innovative technology particularly adapted to rural regions. Its internet stations, situated in rural communities and former internally displaced persons camps, consist of low-power, solar powered PCs connected to a high-speed, long-range WiFi
Internet connection. Each communication station is linked to other BOSCO sites via a free VoIP telephony network and through a high-speed internal network (INTRANET
) content management page.
Moving beyond the provision of technical solutions, BOSCO is concentrating on the development of both proven and emerging directions for ICT usage. These directions include computer education adapted to the realities of 21st Century global interconnectivity and a Web 2.0
collaborative approach to cooperation with health centers, e-agriculture
, educational outreach, e-government, etc.
, including the Archbishop John Baptist Odama and Fr. Joseph Okumu, who is now the BOSCO-Uganda Executive Director
. In 2007, northern Uganda
was benefiting from a tenuous cease fire, yet nearly 1.7 million people throughout the region remained stuck and isolated in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
Mr. Zuehlke discussed some of the needs and challenges the archdiocese and the people were facing. The Archbishop’s priority was to help the Acholi people of northern Uganda end the severe isolation they were experiencing in the camps. By connecting camp schools, community centers, parishes, and health clinics to the outside world through Internet, the Acholi people could begin to end their isolation by advocating for their own cause.
In 2007 Mr. Zuehlke assembled an all volunteer Board of Directors
and incorporated BOSCO, Inc. as a 501(c)3 not for profit organization. In April of 2007, with the help of Inveneo
and BOSCO’s Founding Technical Director, Ted Pethick, BOSCO deployed the first set of low power, solar, PCs with long-range WiFi Internet in 6 site locations.
BOSCO USA has watched BOSCO-Uganda grow as they now employ a Uganda-based staff and administration and have expanded the BOSCO network to 22 sites. BOSCO-Uganda has attracted partnerships from both local and international development organizations, including War Child Holland and UNICEF.
, has taken on a distinct role for BOSCO-Uganda. BOSCO-Uganda, in Gulu, handles the day-to-day operations of the organization and employs a local, Ugandan staff. BOSCO-USA consists only of a volunteer Board of Directors who are mainly responsible for these points:
and Founder
), Thomas Loughran (Vice President
), Kerry Vickers (Technical Consultant) and Kevin Bailey (Former Organizational & Communications Envoy in Uganda). With the help of other board members, these individuals consult with BOSCO-Uganda and aid in fundraising, technology, capacity and public relations
.
-based staff and administration. They have overseen the network expansion and are the essential component for BOSCOs attempts to promote self-advocacy through ICT. This leadership oversees the daily implementation of the BOSCO mission and ensures successful use of the network at each site. They aid in developing new BOSCO content, create proposals for expansion, seek mutually beneficial partnerships, and assist in creating dialog between local users, BOSCO stakeholders, and the BOSCO team. Those in charge of these daily activities within BOSCO-Uganda are Fr. Joseph Okumu (Executive Director
), Aliker David Martin (Project Coordinator), Stella Akiteng (Project Coordinator) and Stefan Bock (Technical Advisor, HORIZONT 3000).
also works in partnership with BOSCO-Uganda to develop concepts on technology and collaboration.
partners with BOSCO-Uganda on an internship program where the university funds a student’s work with BOSCO-Uganda over a period of 10 weeks.
, Global Voices and Thomson Reuters
partnered to create the Breaking Borders Award. This award rewards individuals or organizations spearheading web-based projects. The recipients must have demonstrated bravery, outstanding effort and ingenuity through use of the Internet. Winners of this award must be using the Internet to encourage free speech and reveal varied political opinions. The award goes to those organizations making difference in these areas as well as those helping to stand up against censorship
. The award attempts to promote resourcefulness and originality for public benefit.
The Breaking Borders Award was presented to BOSCO-Uganda on May 5, 2010. This occurred at the Global Voices Citizen Media Summit in Santiago
, Chile
.
(NPCA) presents the Africa Rural Connect award. The ARC endorses collective thought supporting the creation of new ideas. The ideas are aimed at solving the principal challenges rural Africa
faces. Close to 100 organizational ideas and charitable plans were submitted for the 2010 ARC competition.
Throughout a large variety of plans present two winners were chosen in the first round. The NPCA announced BOSCO and their proposal, “Achieving Rural Literacy through Innovative Web 2.0 ICT Use in Post-conflict Northern Uganda
,” as one of the two first round winners in June 2010.
Uganda
Uganda , officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa". It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by...
, in cooperation with the Archdiocese of Gulu
Gulu
Gulu is a city in Northern Uganda. It is the commercial and administrative centre of Gulu District. The city is located at 2˚46'48N 32˚18'00E, on the metre gauge railway from Tororo to Pakwach. Gulu is located approximately , by road, north of Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city...
. BOSCO (standing for Battery Operated Systems for Community Outreach, but named also in honor of the Roman Catholic Saint John Bosco) collaborated with Inveneo http://www.inveneo.com to place their low-power PCs powered by solar panels in the Catechist Training Center and the Caritas Office in Gulu, as well as at schools, hospitals, colleges and Churches in the Pabbo, Alero, Lacor, Coope, Jen'Geri, Unyama, and Pagak IDP camps. The organization aims to use ICT to help end the isolation of communities in rural northern Uganda]as well as improve education
Education
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
, economics
Economics
Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
, human rights documentation, health care and rural development.
Mission and Vision
BOSCO focuses on providing innovative information and communication technology (ICT) solutions using a collaborative and Internet approach to foster socio-economic development and peace building in rural communities in northern UgandaUganda
Uganda , officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa". It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by...
.
Their strategy is based on ICT and computer education for rural communities, with a particular focus on Web 2.0
Web 2.0
The term Web 2.0 is associated with web applications that facilitate participatory information sharing, interoperability, user-centered design, and collaboration on the World Wide Web...
applications and usage; ICT for sustainable rural development, livelihoods and income generation; and research and installation of innovative ICT technologies for rural areas.
BOSCO “envisions open and peaceful rural communities, ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the globalized world in the 21st century.”
Regional History
Twenty years of conflict and displacement have isolated the people of northern UgandaUganda
Uganda , officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa". It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by...
from the technological developments rapidly evolving in their own country and throughout the world. This isolation and lack of access to 21st century Information and Communication Technologies
Information and communication technologies
Information and communications technology or information and communication technology, usually abbreviated as ICT, is often used as an extended synonym for information technology , but is usually a more general term that stresses the role of unified communications and the integration of...
(ICT) has prevented communities from using the Internet
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
for creative and innovative ways to meet community needs.
Instead, many communities have become reliant on traditional aid. However, with peace in northern Uganda
Uganda
Uganda , officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa". It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by...
, BOSCO-Uganda attempts to turn dependency into self-advocacy through the use of innovative and collaborative ICT technologies.
Initiated in 2006 under the umbrella of Gulu Archdiocese, BOSCO-Uganda implemented a pilot ICT project in 6 IDP-camps in Gulu
Gulu
Gulu is a city in Northern Uganda. It is the commercial and administrative centre of Gulu District. The city is located at 2˚46'48N 32˚18'00E, on the metre gauge railway from Tororo to Pakwach. Gulu is located approximately , by road, north of Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city...
and Amuru
Amuru
Amuru is a town in Northern Uganda. It is the main municipal, administrative and commercial centre of Amuru District. The district is named after the town.-Location:...
district (including Choo Pe, Unyama, Lacor, Pagak, Pabbo and Jengari). BOSCO-Uganda has since expanded its activities in Amuru and Gulu and is planning the further expansion to Kitgum
Kitgum
Kitgum is a municipality in Kitgum District, in Northern Uganda. The town is administered by Kitgum Town Council, an Urban Local Government within Kitgum District Administration...
and Pader District
Pader District
Pader District is a district in Northern Uganda. It is named after Pader, the chief municipal, administrative and commercial town in the district, where the district headquarters are located.-Location:...
s.
BOSCO-Uganda uses innovative technology particularly adapted to rural regions. Its internet stations, situated in rural communities and former internally displaced persons camps, consist of low-power, solar powered PCs connected to a high-speed, long-range WiFi
WIFI
WIFI is a radio station broadcasting a brokered format. Licensed to Florence, New Jersey, USA, the station is currently operated by Florence Broadcasting Partners, LLC.This station was previously owned by Real Life Broadcasting...
Internet connection. Each communication station is linked to other BOSCO sites via a free VoIP telephony network and through a high-speed internal network (INTRANET
Intranet
An intranet is a computer network that uses Internet Protocol technology to securely share any part of an organization's information or network operating system within that organization. The term is used in contrast to internet, a network between organizations, and instead refers to a network...
) content management page.
Moving beyond the provision of technical solutions, BOSCO is concentrating on the development of both proven and emerging directions for ICT usage. These directions include computer education adapted to the realities of 21st Century global interconnectivity and a Web 2.0
Web 2.0
The term Web 2.0 is associated with web applications that facilitate participatory information sharing, interoperability, user-centered design, and collaboration on the World Wide Web...
collaborative approach to cooperation with health centers, e-agriculture
E-agriculture
E-agriculture is a relatively recent term in the field of agriculture and rural development practices. Consistency in the use of this term began to materialize with the dissemination of results from a global survey carried out by the United Nations...
, educational outreach, e-government, etc.
Organizational History
BOSCO USA was founded by Gus Zuehlke in 2007. Mr. Zuehlke established relationships with the Archdiocese of GuluGulu
Gulu is a city in Northern Uganda. It is the commercial and administrative centre of Gulu District. The city is located at 2˚46'48N 32˚18'00E, on the metre gauge railway from Tororo to Pakwach. Gulu is located approximately , by road, north of Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city...
, including the Archbishop John Baptist Odama and Fr. Joseph Okumu, who is now the BOSCO-Uganda Executive Director
Executive director
Executive director is a term sometimes applied to the chief executive officer or managing director of an organization, company, or corporation. It is widely used in North American non-profit organizations, though in recent decades many U.S. nonprofits have adopted the title "President/CEO"...
. In 2007, northern Uganda
Uganda
Uganda , officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa". It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by...
was benefiting from a tenuous cease fire, yet nearly 1.7 million people throughout the region remained stuck and isolated in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
Mr. Zuehlke discussed some of the needs and challenges the archdiocese and the people were facing. The Archbishop’s priority was to help the Acholi people of northern Uganda end the severe isolation they were experiencing in the camps. By connecting camp schools, community centers, parishes, and health clinics to the outside world through Internet, the Acholi people could begin to end their isolation by advocating for their own cause.
In 2007 Mr. Zuehlke assembled an all volunteer Board of Directors
Board of directors
A board of directors is a body of elected or appointed members who jointly oversee the activities of a company or organization. Other names include board of governors, board of managers, board of regents, board of trustees, and board of visitors...
and incorporated BOSCO, Inc. as a 501(c)3 not for profit organization. In April of 2007, with the help of Inveneo
Inveneo
Inveneo is a 501 non-profit organization based in San Francisco with focus on Information and Communication Technologies for organizations supporting underserved communities in the developing world, mostly in Africa...
and BOSCO’s Founding Technical Director, Ted Pethick, BOSCO deployed the first set of low power, solar, PCs with long-range WiFi Internet in 6 site locations.
BOSCO USA has watched BOSCO-Uganda grow as they now employ a Uganda-based staff and administration and have expanded the BOSCO network to 22 sites. BOSCO-Uganda has attracted partnerships from both local and international development organizations, including War Child Holland and UNICEF.
Role
Since the founding, BOSCO USA, based in South Bend, IndianaIndiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
, has taken on a distinct role for BOSCO-Uganda. BOSCO-Uganda, in Gulu, handles the day-to-day operations of the organization and employs a local, Ugandan staff. BOSCO-USA consists only of a volunteer Board of Directors who are mainly responsible for these points:
- Capacity building: BOSCO-USA periodically sends technical staff on training trips to GuluGuluGulu is a city in Northern Uganda. It is the commercial and administrative centre of Gulu District. The city is located at 2˚46'48N 32˚18'00E, on the metre gauge railway from Tororo to Pakwach. Gulu is located approximately , by road, north of Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city...
; BOSCO-USA has also supported the work of a full-time Gulu-based communications envoy to report on-the-ground progress in Gulu - Vetting of technologyTechnologyTechnology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures. The word technology comes ;...
: BOSCO-USA is engaged in assessing the trends of low-power computing and wireless networking equipment and passes on equipment recommendations to BOSCO-Uganda staff. BOSCO-USA is also involved in shipping some equipment for deployments to UgandaUgandaUganda , officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa". It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by... - Public Relations: BOSCO-USA actively promotes the BOSCO project in the US with media outlets and in various communities
- Fundraising in US: BOSCO-USA raised the initial capital to start the project and is involved in fundraisingFundraisingFundraising or fund raising is the process of soliciting and gathering voluntary contributions as money or other resources, by requesting donations from individuals, businesses, charitable foundations, or governmental agencies...
to support the work of BOSCO-Uganda in Gulu.
Leadership
The BOSCO-USA Board of Directors is made-up entirely of volunteers. The note able members of this board are Gus Zuehlke (PresidentPresident
A president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
and Founder
Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur is an owner or manager of a business enterprise who makes money through risk and initiative.The term was originally a loanword from French and was first defined by the Irish-French economist Richard Cantillon. Entrepreneur in English is a term applied to a person who is willing to...
), Thomas Loughran (Vice President
Vice president
A vice president is an officer in government or business who is below a president in rank. The name comes from the Latin vice meaning 'in place of'. In some countries, the vice president is called the deputy president...
), Kerry Vickers (Technical Consultant) and Kevin Bailey (Former Organizational & Communications Envoy in Uganda). With the help of other board members, these individuals consult with BOSCO-Uganda and aid in fundraising, technology, capacity and public relations
Public relations
Public relations is the actions of a corporation, store, government, individual, etc., in promoting goodwill between itself and the public, the community, employees, customers, etc....
.
Role
BOSCO-Uganda is primarily involved in the day to day implementation of the BOSCO project. This includes:- Managing all Internet sites in the AmuruAmuruAmuru is a town in Northern Uganda. It is the main municipal, administrative and commercial centre of Amuru District. The district is named after the town.-Location:...
and GuluGuluGulu is a city in Northern Uganda. It is the commercial and administrative centre of Gulu District. The city is located at 2˚46'48N 32˚18'00E, on the metre gauge railway from Tororo to Pakwach. Gulu is located approximately , by road, north of Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city...
Districts in northern Uganda. - Developing content, with a focus on education and peace building, for BOSCO’s Intranet system.
- Supporting the expansion of BOSCO-Uganda through new proposals and partnerships.
- Managing communications between local, regional and international stakeholders in partnership with BOSCO USA.
Leadership
The BOSCO-Uganda leadership employs a UgandaUganda
Uganda , officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa". It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by...
-based staff and administration. They have overseen the network expansion and are the essential component for BOSCOs attempts to promote self-advocacy through ICT. This leadership oversees the daily implementation of the BOSCO mission and ensures successful use of the network at each site. They aid in developing new BOSCO content, create proposals for expansion, seek mutually beneficial partnerships, and assist in creating dialog between local users, BOSCO stakeholders, and the BOSCO team. Those in charge of these daily activities within BOSCO-Uganda are Fr. Joseph Okumu (Executive Director
Executive director
Executive director is a term sometimes applied to the chief executive officer or managing director of an organization, company, or corporation. It is widely used in North American non-profit organizations, though in recent decades many U.S. nonprofits have adopted the title "President/CEO"...
), Aliker David Martin (Project Coordinator), Stella Akiteng (Project Coordinator) and Stefan Bock (Technical Advisor, HORIZONT 3000).
HORIZONT3000 - Austrian Organization for Development Co-operation
BOSCO-Uganda has partnered with HORIZONT3000 since 2007.They first provided a technical volunteer in 2007-2008 and then provided a technical advisor. The organization has also provided funding in the past for projects and staff salaries.UNICEF
UNICEF has provided an initial grant of $10,000 to carry out community ICT trainings and install five Internet sites. A second grant worth an estimated $270,000 has been submitted and would support BOSCO’s expansion by providing new computers and bandwidth, strengthening training programs at all sites in Gulu and Amuru, and installing news sites in Pader and Kitgum district. UNICEF’s ICT4D department in KampalaKampala
Kampala is the largest city and capital of Uganda. The city is divided into five boroughs that oversee local planning: Kampala Central Division, Kawempe Division, Makindye Division, Nakawa Division and Lubaga Division. The city is coterminous with Kampala District.-History: of Buganda, had chosen...
also works in partnership with BOSCO-Uganda to develop concepts on technology and collaboration.
War Child Holland
War Child Holland has partnered with BOSCO-Uganda in Pagak. War Child Holland provided computers and a working space and BOSCO-Uganda provided Internet connectivity and training. Another site has been installed in partnership with War Child Holland at a school in Koch Goma.University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre DameUniversity of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame du Lac is a Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, an unincorporated community north of the city of South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States...
partners with BOSCO-Uganda on an internship program where the university funds a student’s work with BOSCO-Uganda over a period of 10 weeks.
Breaking Borders Award
GoogleGoogle
Google Inc. is an American multinational public corporation invested in Internet search, cloud computing, and advertising technologies. Google hosts and develops a number of Internet-based services and products, and generates profit primarily from advertising through its AdWords program...
, Global Voices and Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters Corporation is a provider of information for the world's businesses and professionals and is created by the Thomson Corporation's purchase of Reuters Group on 17 April 2008. Thomson Reuters is headquartered at 3 Times Square, New York City, USA...
partnered to create the Breaking Borders Award. This award rewards individuals or organizations spearheading web-based projects. The recipients must have demonstrated bravery, outstanding effort and ingenuity through use of the Internet. Winners of this award must be using the Internet to encourage free speech and reveal varied political opinions. The award goes to those organizations making difference in these areas as well as those helping to stand up against censorship
Censorship
thumb|[[Book burning]] following the [[1973 Chilean coup d'état|1973 coup]] that installed the [[Military government of Chile |Pinochet regime]] in Chile...
. The award attempts to promote resourcefulness and originality for public benefit.
The Breaking Borders Award was presented to BOSCO-Uganda on May 5, 2010. This occurred at the Global Voices Citizen Media Summit in Santiago
Santiago, Chile
Santiago , also known as Santiago de Chile, is the capital and largest city of Chile, and the center of its largest conurbation . It is located in the country's central valley, at an elevation of above mean sea level...
, Chile
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
.
African Rural Connect First Round Winner
The National Peace Corps AssociationNational Peace Corps Association
-Overview:Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Washington, DC, the National Peace Corps Association is the nation’s leading 501 nonprofit organization supporting Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and the Peace Corps community through networking and mentoring to help guide former Volunteers...
(NPCA) presents the Africa Rural Connect award. The ARC endorses collective thought supporting the creation of new ideas. The ideas are aimed at solving the principal challenges rural Africa
Africa
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
faces. Close to 100 organizational ideas and charitable plans were submitted for the 2010 ARC competition.
Throughout a large variety of plans present two winners were chosen in the first round. The NPCA announced BOSCO and their proposal, “Achieving Rural Literacy through Innovative Web 2.0 ICT Use in Post-conflict Northern Uganda
Uganda
Uganda , officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa". It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by...
,” as one of the two first round winners in June 2010.