Computer Education Centre Expansion

EWB is working in partnership with The East West Overseas Aid Foundation to build and maintain a permanent IT centre for the children at the Uluru Children's Home and Alampara village. The goal of the program is to encourage the social development of the children by using the computer centre as an educational platform. The computer skills gained by the children will be valuable in their search for employment or in their pursuit of higher education.


UCH Computer Center

The program is being conducted in phases with the support of the Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship (SA). Phase I was completed in mid 2006 and involved the installation of a 6 computer network at Uluru Children’s Home. Phase II commenced in August 2006 - an EWB volunteer is currently working at Uluru Children’s Home to expand the 6 node pilot network into a multi-function centre supporting 35 computers.

The computers will be installed in 3 groups and connected to a standard Ethernet network. A single server will allow the computers to access the internet.

Phase II activities include:

· Identification of the electrical and cabling requirements for the Computer Education Centre
· Identification of a Computer Systems Supplier close to the Uluru Children’s Home
· Purchase of the complete computer system including peripheral equipment (printer, projector, cabling)
· Training for IT staff to independently manage the Computer Education Centre

Phase III will commence in 2007. It has the following objectives:

Orphanage Information System
Phase III involves the development of a database information system, tentatively titled
the 'Orphanage Information System' (OIS). It is envisaged that the database will
provide a case management system, storing and documenting relevant information
regarding TEWOAF, Uluru Children’s Home, the Local Medical Clinic, international
donors and supporters, volunteer and most importantly, the children.

The Alampara Community Radio Station
A community Radio station is an information service for the community, about the community and by the community. A community radio station in Alampara would enable a, trained person to respond to community generated information requests by accessing information available via the Internet.

Design Project: Assist the development of Phase II at the Computer Education Centre by providing advice on an internet connection for the new terminals. Alternatively, assist the development of Phase III of the project by providing advice on the design of the Orphanage Information System and/or the Alampara Community Radio Station.