iLab Liberia announces a grant from Google.org

iLab Liberia is pleased to announce that we have received a $250,000 grant from Google.org to continue our work in Liberia. This grant will enable iLab to continue its current activities and introduce new trainings, upgrade our dedicated internet connection from 1.5mbps to 2.0mbps, double our laboratory space and purchase new computers. With Google.org’s support, it is possible for iLab to meet the growing demand in Liberia for access to cutting-edge ICT resources and trainings.

Some of the new events made possible by this grant will include:

• A customized set of trainings for IT professionals seeking employment in Liberia’s NGO community

• Providing free access to online courseware in ICTs and computer programming for Liberian students and professionals

• HTML, PHP, CSS and Python programming language trainings

• Introductory course in ICTs for small business entrepreneurs

• Office hours for interested users to learn, experiment and create their own projects with assistance from our staff

• ICTs for young women in Liberia: a course designed by iLab and Nobel laureate Leymah Gbowee

• Data management trainings with a focus on standardization and portability of information for variety of users from government ministries to NGOs

• YouTube parties that allow our users to contribute local content and directly experience the power of video as a learning tool

And these events, piloted and made popular in 2011, will be back in 2012:

• Mapping parties where Liberians use Google's Map Maker software to add the breadth and depth of their local knowledge to the map of Liberia

• Beginner, intermediate and advanced free and open source software (FOSS) trainings

• Hosting Google Technology Users Group meet-ups and other IT-related groups in need of a regular meeting place

• Blogging and “social media for development” trainings

• Web development classes for high school students

• Continuing to host workshops and events for organizations requiring ICTs

We at iLab are incredibly thankful for Google's generosity, and we’re very excited about the possibilities this grant will provide us in the next phase of iLab’s development.