Skype

Skype is a VOIP service that allows for free voice calls between users and cheap calls outside the Skype network. Skype is bringing cheap telephone service to many places around the world and Malawi need not be and exception. There are many uses for the service. For instance, if Skype was loaded onto all the internet cafe computers in Malawi, locals and visitors could talk to family and friends all over the world without the hassle or cost of a phone card.

In the case of my local church, the many teachers who are serving at African Bible College could easily use the computers on campus to keep in touch with family and supporters. It's cheap as free! Anyway, check it out by clicking the side banner and brainstorm some ideas.

My Skype ID is RandomAntics.

Laptops for Malawi?

When I went to Malawi, I left behind a few crank powered flashlights. They were designed to work without batteries and for one minute of cranking put out 45 minutes of bright light. Crank powered devices are ideal for the world's poor since access to power is often limited and batteries can be prohibitively expensive. Now MIT has developed a sub-one hundred dollar notebook computer that incorporates handcranks for power.
There is so much that could be done with these computers. Every school in the world could be outfitted with at least one computer for a relatively minimal cost. If anyone is interested in brainstorming ways to get these devices to Malawi, let me know in the comment section. I am willing to start something.