Grant Questions

Grants
1

Hello Mr. Schwartz, I am a student working on a grant I am trying to receive to use the RACHEL-Plus server and a 10-device lab at a school in Uganda. I am looking for advice on the best way to set this up so it is easy for the teachers to manage and stays running long-term. Is there someone here who could help answer some of my questions/ do you have a phone or email I could use to get in touch with you or your team? Thanks Miles Williams

2

Hi @milescmiles - we would love if you could start here Deployment Wiki (Start Here) and post any initial questions you have. We can read through those questions and schedule a call if that makes the most sense after.

Best,
jeremy

3

Thank you so much for your response. I would love to set up a meeting with your team. Here are some of the questions I have come up with after reviewing the startup guide page.

Question 1: The Why 5 Grand? Question
I am looking at the $5,000 kit for 10 devices plus the RACHEL-Plus. Looking at the individual components, the hardware cost seems to be around $1,300–$1,500. Could you explain what the ‘Premium Bundle’ includes to justify the $5,000 price point? Is there a specific ruggedized case, pre-configuration service, or extended warranty that comes with the full kit?

Question 2: The Language Question
For a deployment in Central Uganda (Mukono), what local languages does the RACHEL-Plus accommodate? We specifically need English content, but are there modules available in Luganda or other East African regional languages for primary-level literacy?

I want to ensure this is a true ‘Turn-Key’ deployment for the school. Do you have a certified implementation partner or trainer in the Kampala/Mukono area? I am looking to work with a professional teacher trained in the grant so the school staff feels confident managing the server on Day 1. Who can I contact locally to arrange this

I am finalizing my grant proposal for a January 26th deadline. I would love to set up a 15-minute Zoom or WhatsApp call to confirm these technical specifications so I can list you as a formal partner in my report and provide you with more information about our project. Please send an email address where we can coordinate. Thanks!
Best, Miles Williams

4

Hi @milescmiles –

$736.88 the wheeled case with custom cutting and waterproofing
$144.11 for USB-c charging hubs and cables
$1843.0 per laptop x 10
$999 for 2TB RACHEL-Plus with 3 year warranty

Comes to close to 4 grand in hardware costs. We then pay about $400 in labor and offer free shipping. There’s about $500 in profitability, which of course goes back to World Possible to develop the technology and neat new items like this.

For languages, there are small sets of local language content within some modules (Kolibri and lower level book sets mostly).

We don’t have a certified teacher in Kampala, but it’s not unusual for our certified teachers to travel from Guatemala, Ghana, or Sierra Leone and offer training.

Overnight trips of 3 days are usually done around $3,000. We have a pricing guide for that as well.

Best,
Jeremy

5

I really appreciate the transparent breakdown.
I’m finalizing the implementation roadmap for the Jan 26th deadline. I’d love to hop on a 15-minute Zoom or phone call this week to discuss a Version 2.0 of the setup that makes it more realistic for the budget. Specifically:

  1. The "Remote Training Model: Since $3,000 for travel is out of reach for this specific grant, I’d like to discuss using your digital “Teacher’s Guides” and “Facilitator Guides” (like the ones from your Guatemala chapter) to create a remote training plan for the Mukono staff.
  2. Local Mentorship: I’d like to ask about any specific “super-users” or NGOs in Uganda you’ve worked with before who might be able to do a one-day site visit, or help remotely.
  3. Lastly, I want to go over how to set up the Rachel device when it first reaches the school.

Best, Miles Williams