[khos-announce 5] News from the KhmerOS project

Subject: [khos-announce 5] News from the KhmerOS project
Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2005 03:10:36 +0700
From: Javier SOLA <javier@khmeros.info>
To: khos-announce@forum.org.kh, khos-discuss@forum.org.kh

Dear friends,

We have reached the end of the first stage of the KhmerOS project. We
have been able to produce a complete set of multi-platform free basic
computer programs in Khmer language (word processing, spreadsheet,
presentation tool, e-mail, browsing, touch-typing, etc...). We have also
produced a very complete set of training materials in Khmer for these
programs, as well as training for trainer’s materials.

Cambodia is now prepared to do basic ICT in Khmer language, as well as
to teach it.

We are happy about accomplishing this wonderful goal, but or largest
source of happiness originates from the fact that we work very closely
with NiDA (National Information Communication Development Authority of
Cambodia), the body of the Cambodian Government in charge of promoting
ICT, who has now published a Master Plan for the Deployment of Free and
Open Source in Cambodia, and is finishing an Action Plan that implements
it, planning for full migration to Open Source within the next two years.

We now start a new stage, in which NiDA and us will start training
teachers in both the Governments training structures and in private
industry, while we create a good distribution strategy, together with
computer vendors.

After finishing with the applications and starting their distributionon
Windows platform, we are now starting to work on the translation of KDE,
as well as of training materials for both Linux and KDE, so that next
year we can do actual migration of Operating Systems.

Our team is now composed of six enthusiast engineers working on
translation and development, and four excellent trainers who develop new
training-for-trainer’s materials and provide high-level training to
computer teachers. We get high-level technical help from Jens Herden,a
volunteer engineer specialized in open Source, and very good fonts from
Danh Hong. We also have students going around the country installing the
application in schools, Community Information Centers, NGOs and any
computer they can get their hands on.

On the financial side, this year our project has survived mainly thanks
to a donation from the Internet Society (thanks ISOC!), but we still
have not covered all our needs for the present year. Just in case some
kind soul happens to come by our website, we have created a donations
page in which we can accept small donations through credit cards or
Paypal, or larger ones through our bank account.

In short, KhmerOS has been able to maintain its stamina and reach its
first goals. Now, this year, in partnership with NiDA, we hope to reach
or real social objectives:

· Reduction of the Digital Divide by empowering the least
advantaged to access jobs that require the use of computers.
· Reduction of training time and cost for jobs that require
computer skills.
· Permitting training on technology from early stages inthe
education system
· Permitting reaching out to rural areas in order to offer to
them training on skills similar to those which might be offered in large
cities.
· Protecting the local language from an excessive entry of
foreign terms that complicate training and integration in the work
place. Clarification and standardization of the correct use of the Khmer
language and of Khmer cultural issues such as word sorting. Bringing
Khmer language into the age of technology.
· Facilitate the computerization of the Administration, allowing
it to maintain databases in its own script.

Javier Solá
Coordinator
Khmer Software Initiative

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