May the FOSS be with you
As promised, I am posting some photos of the event that I attended in Sukabumi. The name of the event is Asia Source II. It was the 2nd technology camp after the 1st one held in Bangalore, India. I spare you the lenghty details here. Please click the Asia Source II link above if you wish to know more about the content of the camp. Officially, Asia Source II is:
A eight day gathering to be held in January 2007 that will bring together nearly 100 NGO and SME information and technology support professionals working at the local level across South Asia and South East Asia. Asia Source II will provide participants with a range of practical and hands-on sessions aimed at increasing the use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) amonst the NGO and SME in the region. The intention is to move beyond conceptual discussions of the benefits of FOSS into practical skillsharing between those working with NGOs.
Participants of the camp were really diversed. From medical doctor to graphic designer, SME owner to government officials, it was hell of an experience working and interacting with everybody from all walks of life. We were divided into 4 tracks focusing on different interests and issues. I was in the Information Management track also known as “Track 4 the track from hell”. Why were we called the track from hell? Well… most of Track 4 members were workaholic and really putting a lot of pressure on other tracks to perform. 
Skillshare sessions… that’s actually my favourite. Those sessions were conducted by people who are putting things into actions. I shared what I do in Asia247.tv. Glad that a couple of NGOs were inspired to have their own little studio after my session. Ok. I walk you through some of the pictures that I took here…
Who said life is fair? We guys were sleeping in a room (4 in each room) like the one on the left, laid out like motel rooms with shared bath rooms, while the girls were staying in individual houses like the one on the right with attached baths and hot water. Don’t get me started with the toilets… 
This is the hands-on lab for each track. One thing… it got really wet when it rained. The network and computers were not that waterproof, and the electricity was not really stable. Unfortunately, half of the time was raining. The carpet in the tent got wet and started to stink after a few days.
On the left, facilitator Marek analysing the expectation checklist of Track 4. On the right, Track 4 members trying out a CMS (content management system).
Brainstorming and sketching the final presentation for what Track 4 had learnt for the past 8 days. Creativity was part of the thing that Track 4 mastered. So we planned to make a skit out of a giant FOSS penguin puzzle coupled with a PowerPoint… opps sorry… Open Office’s Impress slide show.
Yes that what we covered on Information Management. Hands-on on CMS and CRM. We set foot on Information Design and Information Life Cyle, and a full belly of Project Management stuff. All these would contribute to more Open Publishing and technology can be creatively used to Mobilize people for various purposes.
Do you mind to share what CMS or CRM software that you testing during this event? I’m thinking to get one for an NGO as well.
this is like Deja vu…
Try SugarCRM to manage members or client. For CMS… I used to Joomla. Drupal is not bad too.