July 25, 2003
Mali FolkeCenter
BACKGROUND: A followup meeting with the MFC. When we first arrived, we showed them the Kinkajou and they seemed very excited with it. They conduct some training courses for which the kinkajou might be useful. Earlier, they showed us around some of the villages where they have installed solar panels/lights and a multifunctional platform. We also tried out the Kinkajou at a school which they helped build in Tobacoro.
CONTACT: Dr. Ibrahim Togola (Regional Director)
TIME: 2:30 PM, Jul 25
NOTES:
Cost Analysis
- Costs 700 CFA to recharge car battery in villages (sometimes people have to travel to neighboring villages with recharging stations, such as multifunctional platforms), 500 CFA in cities. Battery charge last 1-2 weeks depending on battery condition and application.
- Car battery generator costs 150,000 (from salvaged parts) from the 'piece detachées'. The generator in the multifunctional platform at Bougoulaba lasted for 12 years.
- The Kinkajou could be used to replace their current training material (TV=125,000 CFA; VCR=85,000; Diesel Generator/Solar Panel= 300,000). The whole setup costs about $1200.
Further Partnership
- Willing to work with us in the future, email is best option.
- They also need a cheap charging circuit for their devices.
- There are trained electrical engineers in MFC which currently recycle electronic components.
- The MFC would be interested in using the Kinkajou in there PV training, etc.
Implementation
- Plastic Manufacturers in Bamako: Fofy, SinPlast (best option), Sadadiallo (not useful, they make oil)
- Circuit boards are usually salvaged from scrap radios and other electronic devices which can be bought in the Grand Marche at 'dabanani' on the Avenue De La Nation. (they have 'piece detachées radio components)
- The people in the village who usually do electronic maintenance are the radio repairmen
- An electronic schematic may be sufficient to design duplicates
- Typically in the markets, you have to bring the actual part to get a duplicate (a code/number may not be sufficient)
- Possibly renting out Kinkajou (just as they rent out LCD projectors)
Potential Uses
- TV and VCR could be used for personal use, whereas Kinkajou is less likely to be abused
- Difficult to transport TV and VCR
Microfilm
- Concerned with local microfilm production
- If a group of local NGOs team up, and send there content together, then the total cost of microfilm production could drop
OUR COMMENTS:
- Follow up with Tom regarding #solar panels
- Comparative analysis between MFC training vs. Kinkajou
- They use a small TV (<15in), how many students can learn from the Kinkajou vs. the TV setup
- What is the TV resolution? A video might not give enough resolution for literacy training
- What other things must be considered to make a fair comparison?
- Are they even worth comparing? Or are they like apples and oranges?
- They also need a cheap charge controller, perhaps we can collaborate in the design.
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