Keepod: Personal Computing for All

Feb. 11, 2014 - PRLog -- Keepod: Personal Computing for All

70% of the world’s population still don't have access to personal computing. Keepod wants to provide a secure and lightweight operating system that runs on a USB drive as well as refurbished PCs to the Mathare slums in Nairobi, Kenya and eventually to low-income peoples around the world.
Read more: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/keepod-unite/x/4766811

We have been getting a lot of international press already but we are seeking more exposure for our campaign, helping us reach our goal to fund the pilot project. If you could pass this on to your network - we would appreciate it! Also seeking - contacts interested in partnerships with Keepod in their local communities, contacts of computer refurbishing companies looking to make a difference.

If you are interested in learning more, getting involved or staying updated on our project, please reach out to us

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More info:

Keepod: Bridging the Digital Divide by Changing Computing Paradigms

70% of the world’s population still don’t have access to personal computing. By using innovative technology, Keepod can provide personal computing to the people of Mathare slums in Kenya, and eventually to all lower-income peoples around the world.

Despite the many programs that set out to provide “a computer for every child”, still 5 billion people are without access to personal computing. Keepod is a unique technological innovation that set out to bridge the digital divide by challenging the way you view personal computing. It is the first initiative that would actually stand a chance in making a dent in the worldwide demand for personal computing.

Keepod is a $7 device that can turn any (even partially operational) computer into a fully functioning personal computer. It is a secure and lightweight operating system (OS) that runs from a simple USB stick. Being able to keep your OS on a USB stick means that you can turn any shared computer into your personal computer, entirely eliminating the dependency on purchasing a costly OS or a physical hard drive, as well as taking all your software and data with you when you shut down and leave.

Our first project, is, in  partnership with a local NGO, in the slums of Mathare in Nairobi, Kenya, one of the most disadvantaged areas of the world.You may wonder, don’t they need food and water first? Sure, basic needs must be fulfilled, however Keepod provides the people with the tools needed to provide for themselves. Keepod will serve as an enabler, allowing people access to the digital world and additional economic opportunities to be able to empower themselves and their communities, by themselves.

With the support of generous Keepoders from around the world, we will be able to utilize the campaign funds for our pilot project in Mathare. This seed funding will allow us to provide 50 refurbished computers and 1,500 Keepod devices to serve a select group of identified early adopters in the community. We will be able to locate and remodel a facility and establish a computerized community hub equipped with Keepods and recycled computers. Giving computing resources to the community will allow local Mathare entrepreneurs to create their own initiatives, mentored by the center staff and create meaningful impact in the areas of education, HIV prevention, women’s rights and human rights.

The WhyNot Academy, is a slum school operated by LiveInSlums, facilitating the education of children who are unable to attend a public school. Providing this school with refurbished computers and Keepod devices for each child, will gain them access to tools that will help kids learn reading, writing, math, and technology, in turn providing them with a chance for a better future.

LiveInSlums is running two task groups, which facilitate community programming to raise awareness and help to transform social values to incorporate women’s rights and human rights. Having access to personal computing, these groups can create better informational printed materials, do research, plan activities and support operation.

LiveInSlums is combating the spread of HIV in the slums, currently at a daunting 60% infection rate. Keepods will help the activists in this group by keeping track of examinations, creating educational materials and organizing activities to promote their programs for health education.

We believe in the revolutionary power that access to technology can provide. We believe that by utilizing Keepod technology, combined with local grassroots efforts, we can bring personal computing to the most disadvantaged areas of the world that depend on it for new economic opportunities. Please join our vision. Make this a reality for the people of Mathare, Kenya.

Support our indiegogo campaign or contact us to get more involved