Welcome to MORSEHack

I am starting a new initiative in improving students' computer access in schools all around Malaysia. I've just thought up a plan and thus this plan is still in at the earliest possible stage and it might not even occur depending on how things go here in UK.

Here is the plan and it is not copyrighted, so just copy it and make it happen if you think you can. Feel free to send in comments, no matter how destructive/constructive it is, I just want you to speak and tell me whether something is right/wrong.

Also feel free to comment on the name and possibly rename it.

PROJECT "MORSEHACK"


Objective: To recycle old computers which could possibly end up in poorer countries as junk and install them in schools all around Malaysia.

Plan:

  • We need to obtain old unwanted computers mainly through donations.
  • We need a team of volunteers to
    • Fix the computers
    • Build the computers together
    • Transport the computers to schools
    • Do some extra-coding
  • We need to set minimum specs for computers, I am thinking in the line of processors running below 1Ghz and with 256Mb of RAM etc.
  • The computers will be installed with Strictly Open Source softwares:
    • OS: Ubuntu Linux(Dapper Drake)
    • Office: OpenOffice
    • Browser: Mozilla Firefox
  • We need to get some funding to start the project off, a place to act as our warehouse, a method of transportation and a philosophy that would keep us working.
  • We need to think of a sustainable income source to fund the running of the project, still we strive to be non-profit.

The Idea: Build the systems, give to schools, get students to maintain with our help, get students to start hacking the system. I feel that by exposing them to linux(the OS for hackers), we would be able to let them explore the real world of computing and possibly make us the next "nerd" nation.

To make things interesting, I also propose to include in classrooms a common slogan for all the schools under the MORSEHACK project. I have in mind:

See it, Hack it, Fix it

Pretty corny yea? Anyway let me know your suggestions either by leaving a comment here, or an email to me at moc.oohay|notpelssob#moc.oohay|notpelssob.

Currently I need to get some information from all of you:

  • What is the situation in the local schools like in terms of IT and computing?
  • Are there enough computers allocated by the Ministry of Education to schools already?

Spread the word. For a brighter tomorrow. For more info on similar initiatives, visit freegeek. Remember it's strictly non-profit, how much are we going to get anyway?

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