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SafariOS: A project for the Translation of the Computer Software into Indigenous African Languages-Uganda.

Safari-OS

A Project for the Translation of Open Source Computer Software into Indigenous African Languages.

Luganda and Runyakitara Uganda, East Africa.

By

ICT Translations – Uganda.

1 Introduction

This document shows how the translation and distribution of Open-Source software in Local Ugandan languages and its distribution to end-users provides key infrastructure for the development of information technology in Uganda. It is initially focusing on two languages namely Luganda and Runyakitara (Combines Runyankore, Rukiga and Runyoro). Uganda has six instructional languages officially recognized and for starters the idea is to focus on two which will act as a template for the rest.

After explaining the specific interest and benefits of the project, the document continues with a detailed plan on how it can be done and what the costs are.

As in many other developing countries, the lack of software in the local language exacerbates the digital divide, closing the door to many jobs for those who cannot afford long training periods without earning an income. Jobs that require computer skills, but not English literacy are still not accessible to those who not speak English. Even the computerization of the government is blocked by the need to teaching English to those who will be required to use the computers.

Open source software-considered in this project – is developed by an international community of volunteer software developers in collaboration with some computer corporations who are interested in the free high quality software model (such as IBM and Sun Microsystems). Open-Source software offers numerous freedoms, can be translated to any language, and includes all the tools normally used by most computer users (word processors, spreadsheets, presentation software, Communication software for e-mails, internet etc.). The quality of these tools is similar, and sometimes superior, to that of equivalent proprietary products.

With Luganda/Runyakitara language software, the necessary training time for the new users is drastically reduced, and this training can be followed by anybody, including children, as language is no longer a barrier to the use of the computer.

The most direct benefits of the project include all Luganda/Runyakitara speaking and literate citizens who wish to have access to computer technology, especially those in rural areas who have very few economic resources that can be dedicated to develop job-oriented skills. Luganda/Runyakitara languages computer training will also reinforce their culture, instead of undermining it. The infrastructure created by this project will eventually lead to better governance (through the computerization of local administrations in

ICT Translations – Uganda. Version 1.0 -


indigenous languages), thereby giving better services in Health, social and economic sectors. It will also lead to faster development rates in Africa, and the realization of Africans featuring in global transactions (through the adoption of international ICT methods at root levels). It is interesting to note that despite most civil servants in Uganda being in position to speak and write in English; over 50% of their interaction with the general public is in local languages.

From an economic point of view, the translation of Open-Source software relieves the country from being pressured by foreign computer software corporations to pay high prices for necessary end-user software.



Index

1 Introduction................................................................................................................................ 1 2 Present Situation in Uganda....................................................................................................... 4

2.1 Social and Economic Situation .......................................................................................... 4 2.2 Linguistic Situation............................................................................................................ 4 2.3 Information Technology .................................................................................................... 5 2.4 Social problems produced by lack of local language software.......................................... 6 2.5 Economic problems created by the high price of licensed software.................................. 7

3 Objectives of the SafariOS project ............................................................................................ 7 3.1 Social and strategic goals................................................................................................... 7 3.2 Technical goals .................................................................................................................. 8 3.3 Strategy to reach the objectives ......................................................................................... 8

4 Project Output ............................................................................................................................ 8 5 Benefits and beneficiaries of the project.................................................................................... 9 6 State of the technology to be used ........................................................................................... 10

6.1 Open-Source Software ..................................................................................................... 10 6.2 Encoding, Fonts, Script and Language support in different platforms ............................ 10 6.3 Translation (glossary) ...................................................................................................... 11

7 Project plan .............................................................................................................................. 11 7.1 Calendar, milestones and deliverables............................................................................. 11 7.2 General plan ..................................................................................................................... 11 7.3 First Phase........................................................................................................................ 11 7.4 Second Phase ................................................................................................................... 12 7.5 Third Phase ...................................................................................................................... 12 7.6 Required Structure and Human resources........................................................................ 13 7.7 Risk factors ...................................................................................................................... 13

8 Future actions once the project is finished............................................................................... 14 9 Project modules........................................................................................................................ 14

9.1 First phase: ....................................................................................................................... 14 9.2 Second Phase: .................................................................................................................. 15 9.3 Third phase: ..................................................................................................................... 17

10 Budget .................................................................................................................................. 19 11 The authors........................................................................................................................... 20 Appendix I ....................................................................................................................................... 21



2 Present Situation in Uganda

2.1 Social and Economic Situation Uganda is a landlocked country situated along the equator with a population of 26 million. She is a developing economy with a per capita income of GNP $320. Half of her population is below ages 18. 90% of her population lives in the rural areas. Agriculture is the backbone of the country's economy. Over 80% of the Uganda’s export earning is received through coffee exports. The Adult literacy rate is 40 % and the number of radio receivers is 123 per 1000 people. About 10.7 millions of the population are women, yet they (especially those living in rural areas and female headed households) are the poor of the poorest.

The illiteracy rate, let alone the language barriers have hindered women & youth from accessing the available information that would help them to improve on their social and economic activities.

ICT is a new phenomenon in Africa generally and Uganda in particular. Many ICT companies have been planted in African cities and towns, despite the little infrastructure scattered all over the continent, utilization of the ICT solutions to realize economic growth, better education and new information management methods has not been reported rather the potentiality of acquired infrastructure.

The challenge that many Africans in general and Ugandans in particular face is that many ICTs are in languages that are foreign to the local people, making it extremely difficult to apply such ICTs in their day to day lives. For example, many Ugandan entrepreneurs face a language barrier and have not identified the ICT industry as an opportunity to profit and subsequently, they have overlooked the advantages of ICT. Given the opportunity to access information and information manipulation in languages they are most conversant with would greatly reduce the many night mares and challenges in Africa and this would in turn spur on unprecedented development as has been witnessed elsewhere where development has been attributed to the embracing of the use of local languages in ICT. This is the challenge that Safari-OS attempts to overcome by enabling many Ugandans getting access to ICT in Luganda & Runyakitara Languages. Professional education is a luxury that very few people can afford in Uganda.

2.2 Linguistic Situation Uganda is made of more than ten (10) tribes with each tribe exercising its own dialect. Tribes from the same ethnicity share similarities even in their languages and this creates a re-grouping of a people who hear, understand and probably read the same language. Luo the language domineers among the Nilotics ethnic people. The major Luo speaking tribes being the Acholi and Langi of Northern Uganda, and others including the Dinka extending into Sudan, and the Adhola in Eastern Uganda and in Kenya. Luganda the language domineers among the Bantu people of Central, Eastern and Southern Uganda. It is the most widely spoken language that has penetrated other ethnic groups. The tribes of Basoga, Bagweri, Baganda, and the Baruli easily comprehend Luganda. Many other tribes of the Bantu ethnicity also easily hear and understand Luganda.

Runyakitara is a language with variations among the Bantu tribes of Banyankore, Bakiga, Banyoro and the Batooro, all of West and South western Uganda.

Many other languages are worth giving attention for ICT translation because of the sizeable populations including Atesot, Lumasaba, Karimojong, Lugbara, Lukonjo, etc.

Swahili has been known to be the language of the Armed forces, and to an extent the language of trade. Swahili came in with the late 19th century traders. Many times it has been seen as the language that cuts across communication barriers in the entire region of East and Central Africa.



Amidst all this pluralism, Uganda was declared an English speaking state, even when for ten years Ugandans saw Dictator Idi Amin preferring Swahili to English. In the rural areas, even the highly educated civil service personnel who are required to transact and document in English, resort to local languages to communicate with the common people.

It has therefore been a huge expense on the government to continuously educate people in English about simple health issues like hygiene which would otherwise have got inculcated in culture if indigenous languages were used. English therefore has not completely taken root and the command of English among the people even the educated is very poor.

Developed Languages of trade!

Numerous languages have been developed to extents of featuring in Education (Graduate Study), featuring in the media (print media, broadcast media), public entertainment (Drama, song compositions and others) and featuring in commerce and trade. Such languages have therefore been adopted beyond their regions of origin, so much that the other tribes utilize them to benefit from the prevailing service be it entertainment, education, media, etc. The most domineering languages of trade being Luganda, Runyakitara, Atesot Swahili, and Luo, all of which currently feature in a daily print media, are taught in school, whereas Luganda is now taught to graduate level.

Uganda’s history of power struggles between mainly the northern tribes and the Central and southern tribes since independence led to the installation of the English Language as the National language, initially seen as a unifying factor. Unfortunately this has increased the costs of development and education exorbitantly. The past regimes even went further to destroy most cultural institutions.

The current regime however sought to recognize the diversities in cultural institutions, and assist the re-installation of numerous cultural practices. Many development projects initiated within cultural institutions and targeting people of the same tribe and/or ethnicity or those living in a region commanding a particular language, are now thriving. These include farming, like the introduction of unique agricultural development projects in different District Agricultural Training and Information Centres, Dairy farming development in cattle keeping areas, and many more. It is evident the all DATICs conduct farmers’ training in indigenous languages.

Translating ICT and computers to indigenous languages of command will therefore encourage indigenous (local) grass root development projects, their sustainability and support for the ICT industry.

2.3 Information Technology Information technology is one of the sectors that Uganda is trying to develop. Aware of the fact that lack of Information Technology infrastructure is a barrier to development, Uganda consider this sector as priority. Government is instituting an overall ICT body – the National Information and Technology Agency, and through the Uganda Communications Commission is now encouraging installation of ICT infrastructure in the rural areas. Unfortunately many rural ICT installations have not been used by the local people with language being one of the barriers.



An ICT policy therefore is about to be approved by government and several guidelines have been instituted. The Local government department has adopted ICT for communication, documentation, planning and accountability. Many NGOs and CBOs are now involved in training people about ICT and its importance to development.

Introduction of indigenous language software now would be key to rooting ICT methods at the grass root level. And if ignored all efforts to maintain ICT methods at the grass root level may be futile, just as witnessed in the Health Education Sector.

All computers sold in Uganda are in foreign languages. The welcome given to the recent development of the Mozilla Communication suite (4.0) in Luganda and the introduction of several local language web content are evidence that the majority of people have been left behind, and the very people commanding economic development of the country.

2.4 Social problems produced by lack of local language software As in many other countries, the lack of software in local the language exacerbates the digital divide, closing the door to many jobs for those who cannot afford long training periods without earning an income. Jobs that require computer skills, but not English skills, are still not accessible to those who do not speak English. Even the computerization of the grass root institutions is blocked by the need of teaching English to those who will be required to use the computers.

However a bigger section of the economy is transacting not in English, but in Luganda, and other local languages of trade.

• Software in a foreign language exacerbates the digital divide. Only those who have advanced English skills can follow computer training, and have access to jobs or further training that requires the use of computers.

• As very few people are so highly trained in English) that learning in this language becomes natural, the time to train somebody in the use of computers is usually very long. Students have to learn a lot of English words (words that are not normally used in other contexts, unless you speak English at work everyday), and memorize them, as they cannot relate them to something they know. Besides the long training, this knowledge disappears quickly if it is not used, as it is based in memory and not in linguistic/semantic logic. Therefore, training is long, expensive and inefficient.

• Long training is expensive, not only because it requires paying to an institution for many months, but also because it takes a long time to reach a skill that can be used for work, and all this time, no income is generated. Training for this skill does not fit well with the economic reality of the country, becoming a barrier to the less advantaged.

• Computer training cannot be started until a late age. It is not possible in secondary or high school, because of the language barrier (especially in rural areas). It can only be considered seriously after finishing high school. This makes the learning process much longer.

• Most local administrators in Uganda carry out their administration in local languages even when they are required by Central Government to transact and document in English. With an opportunity to work and document in their indigenous languages, better and faster services will be achieved at the grass root.

• ICT as one of the engines of economic development has been utilized in urban services provision to offer regular faster accurate services to the people for example in banking, medical supplies, etc. Attempting to offer the same opportunities – through the use of computers – in rural areas is almost impossible.

• Impoverishes local culture. The computers being in English all the vocabulary used around the computer (keyboard, mouse, spreadsheet, table, etc.) is taken from the English language and English



programs. Most of these words could be easily translated to the local language, but it is naturally easier to use what is there already (only through local language software and training can local terminology be spread). This brings a large body of foreign words into the work place, replacing local words, and therefore impoverishing the local language and reducing comprehension in new members of the work place, until the catch up with the computer-originated slang.

• Phobia against ICT equipment: Because computers are not explained in indigenous languages, many people have given up adopting computing.

• Rate of adoption of ICT is very low at all levels.

2.5 Economic problems created by the high price of licensed software The minimum set of software needed by a computer to be operational consists of an operating system and an office software suite. For computers using Microsoft tools, the cost of the Windows XP operating system and the MS Office suite (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and MS Access) comes to around US$560 per computer, an amount higher than the yearly GDP Per capita in Uganda.

Software also becomes a big expense for the administration.

The impossibility to pay these prices, for particulars as well as for the country itself, leads to people and corporations copying the software and ignoring licensing conditions.

For a small country with 20.000 new computers every year, the cost of software, paid to a single company, would be over 11 million dollars a year.

This cost is added to the cost of having to train people with software in a foreign language, which can multiply by five the cost and the time need for basic training.

The insecurity that has grown with windows systems is too high and not affordable to a third world nation. Many times systems are down over virus attacks which were not at all aimed to this group of people.

3 Objectives of the SafariOS project

3.1 Social and strategic goals The objectives of this project are to solve some of the social and strategic problems stated above. In particular:

• Reduction of the Digital Divide, permitting empowerment of the least advantaged.

• Reduction of training needs for jobs that require computer skills

• Facilitate the computerization of the administration at all levels of the civil society.

• Protect local languages from an excessive entry of foreign terms that complicate training and integration in the work place.

• Permit training on technology from early stages in the education system.

• Permitting reaching out to rural areas in order to offer to them training similar to that which might be offered in large cities.

• Support indigenous cultural development.



3.2 Technical goals In order to reach the social goals mentioned above, the following technical goals need to be attained:

• Creation of a set of free computer applications in Luganda and Runyakitara that cover most of the people’s computer needs (office productivity and Internet). These applications will need to work on both the MS Windows and Linux Operating systems.

• Full documentation for these applications in Luganda and Runyakitara, in electronic and paper format for end computer users to access the system.

• Development (translation) and deployment in Uganda of a free end-user computer system (desktop) and its applications that works entirely in Luganda and Runyakitara. This system will be based on the Linux platform, making it completely free.

• Production of training materials on the use of the translated applications. These materials will also be free.

• Providing training for trainers to the use of the applications for those who are presently teaching the use of computers in English. The goal will be to have 50% of computer trainers (professors) in Uganda trained to teach these applications.

• Creation of software development and computer training expertise - based on this software - for Ugandan computer software development companies, computer vendors, universities and private computer training centers.

• Creation of Open-Source expertise that will make the system sustainable.

• At a first stage, assuring the installation of the tools of at least 80% of the MS Windows based computers sold in Uganda in the first year after the system is fully functional. To have –three years after deployment- Linux based OS pre-installed in 50% of new systems sold in Uganda.

3.3 Strategy to reach the objectives Since most current computer users are familiar with Windows, the translated applications will be released in both Windows and Linux platforms. This will allows users to start using Luganda and Runyakitara applications without changing the operating system. The cost of change (fear of changing things in the computer) is much smaller, and the users will be much more receptive to the new applications, which simplify their work without posing the threat of having to do a larger change at once. Once there is a large pack of installed local language programs, the change to a Linux platform only requires a change in the User Interface and learning how to use a few tools; a small effort that can be learned in a day or two. Users will not be afraid of losing productivity with the change, as they already have control of the tools.

4 Project Output

Free high-quality end-user computer applications that will run in both Windows and Linux platforms. These applications will cover all office functions (word processing, spreadsheet, presentation tool) and communication applications (e-mail, web-mail, Internet browser, chat).

A full computer operating system that will handle all the applications mentioned above and all the necessary office and entertainment applications needed by a normal computer user, and all of it entirely in Luganda and Runyakitara language. The system will include full documentation in Luganda and Runyakitara, in electronic and paper formats.

An installation disk that –includes all the above software and documentation- is very easy to install. Manufacture of 50,000 copies of this installation disk.



Electronic Training materials addressed to end-users, including the use of the system, and of the

applications.

Computer end-user trainers, trained to teach the new system using the above mentioned materials. University professors, students and software development company personnel trained on advanced Linux and Open-Source software and application development provided by the project. Computer vendor personnel trained on the installation and parameterization of the system.

Open-Source Expertise Centers in Universities, including trained professors and students, computers and Internet connections.

Local Government and Grass root personnel trained to use the system.

5 Benefits and beneficiaries of the project

• Cultural: Allowing the indigenous culture to enter the technological world without forfeiting its values and traditions. Avoiding the entrance of an excessive number of foreign words in the Luganda and Runyakitara. Turning the computer into a tool that reinforces indigenous culture, by clearly defining and permitting the right ordering of local words, the right format for dates, as well as a number of other cultural issues that computers in a foreign language could change irreversibly, adopting foreign forms.

• Training: Drastic reduction of the amount of training necessary to empower Ugandan end-users to use a computer system, and therefore, the cost of such training for the trainee (separation of the “Computer” and the “foreign language” skills). This is especially important for the less economically favored, who will be able to pay for much less expensive training that might lead to jobs that require the use of computers.

• Industry development: Facilitating the introduction of computer technology in Ugandan SMEs, large companies and public administrations.

• Governance: Opening the way for the development of computer systems for the Ugandan national, regional and district level administrations that will allow civil servants to work entirely in local language and manage local language databases. The same applies to utility companies (electricity, water, phone, etc.) which will develop local language databases, reducing costs and giving better service to the citizens.

• Communication: Allowing Ugandans to communicate through e-mail in their own language.

• IT industry development: Empowerment of Ugandan Software development companies to work for the Ugandan Administrations and private companies. Preparing the Universities to deliver the necessary trained engineers.

The most direct beneficiaries of the project include all Ugandan citizens who wish to have access to computer technology, especially those in rural areas who have very few economic resources that can be dedicated to develop job-oriented skills. Ugandan language computer training will also reinforce their culture, instead of undermining it. The infrastructure created by this project will eventually lead to better governance (through computerization of the administrations in their own language), therefore giving better service to the citizens.

Computer programs in Luganda and Runyakitara must be considered as an infrastructure project. They open the way for the technological development of the country, including its small and medium size enterprises who cannot afford to train somebody for at least a year before they can use a computer.

A key beneficiary of the project is the Administration itself. English language does not have to be a requirement for administration officials, but many jobs in the administration will definitely profit from the use of computers. The Administration will be able to cut the training costs by less than 20%.



6 State of the technology to be used

6.1 Open-Source Software The last decade has seen a phenomenon that in the preceding one would have been though as impossible. A community of volunteer computer scientists has put together and maintains computer operating systems, advanced user interfaces and a number of applications that compete in quality, appearance and robustness with some of the most developed proprietary (owned by one company) operating systems (such as Microsoft Windows). All this software – grouped under the name of Open-Source Software - is in the public domain and can be used or translated by anybody, without having to pay any licenses.

Open-Source Software is also referred to as Free Software, not only because it does not have license costs, but also because it can be modified, translated, improved or distributed by anybody who needs to do so (freedom of modification and distribution). The most popular Open-Source operating system is called Linux. At this time, more than 60% of the world's Internet servers use the Linux free operating system and other Open-Source free tools.

Large computer companies such as IBM, Novell or Sun Microsystems support the Open-Source model and develop Open-Source software. They consider that it is positive for their business.

Open-Source software included in releases follows strict control rules similar to those of proprietary releases, and is tested by large amounts of volunteer computer scientists.

A larger and larger number of European national and local administrations have developed or are developing policies to use Open-Source software instead of proprietary systems and tools. Japan, China and Korea have recently signed an agreement to develop a full system that will facilitate developments in these languages that use pictograms. The United Nations Development Program is actively promoting the use of Open-Source software in the Asia/Pacific region, as well as coordinating development efforts.

In the Open-Source model, in spite of the fact that the system and many applications are free, any development done by a development company for a customer is governed by the contract between those two parties, and not considered free software unless whoever has the rights to the software decides to put it in the public domain.

Available Open-Source software includes most of the applications that are traditionally used by computer end-users:

• Office applications similar in aspect and usability to those included in Microsoft Office, and fully compatible with them. Word processing, Spreadsheet, Presentation Tools and database management tools.

• Internet navigation, e-mail, chat, web development, instant messaging and other Internet related applications.

• Multimedia applications (music and video). Image and photo Editing.

• Utilities (such as calculator, games, etc…)

6.2 Encoding, Fonts, Script and Language support in different platforms Luganda and Runyakitara languages use Latin script; all their characters are included in the ISO-8859-1 standard. However an additional 10 characters will be submitted for special consideration. This allows them to be used in all available platforms with minimal additions.



6.3 Translation (glossary) Since English have been the most used languages of available software in Uganda there is no glossary of computer terms used in Luganda and Runyakitara. A glossary of computer terms in Luganda and Runyakitara – needs to be developed.

7 Project plan

7.1 Calendar, milestones and deliverables

7.2 General plan A most detailed plan for the development and distribution for use of the SafariOS project is presented here.

The project is divided in three stages. In the first one, the basic set of computer programs in Luganda and Runyakitara languages are delivered (on the Windows platform), together with training materials. On the second one, while a team continues developing the Linux-based system, a strong effort is made to distribute the applications developed in the first stage, as well as to form computer trainers, so they can teach students how to use them. In the third stage the Linux-based free system is distributed, with further re-training of teachers. New – improved – versions of the system are also prepared during this final stage, while sustainability procedures are developed.

The project starts in a small way, with a project manager and ten (10) translators, and then grows slowly once this team gains experience and is prepared to accept more members. In the second stage a team of 40 people is considered, part of which will be fully dedicated to training and distribution, while others continue translation and development.

The plan is divided in stages, each one spanning a specific period of time and leading to a milestone. Each stage is then divided into thematic modules. Each module has specific goals, time schedule, necessary resources and cost.

7.3 First Phase By the time of the first milestone, at the end of the 24 month long first stage, the project will have accomplished the following deliverables:

• A glossary of computer terms in Luganda/Runyakitara

• Equipment procurement.

• Generation of Dictionaries and installation of a website.

• Translation of the Firefox Internet browser, together with all its help files, documentation.

• Translation of the Thunderbird e-mail client program, together with its documentation.

• Translation of a web-mail program.

• Translation of the OpenOffice office suite with its in-program help system and documentation will be in the process of being translated.

• Development of training modules necessary for the use of Internet applications and Open Office.



7.4 Second Phase The second phase – 18 months long – has two components:

• Deployment of the programs that have been translated, through active and partner-based distribution and through training.

• Continuation of translations and development, in order to complete a computer system that – being independent from Microsoft (and therefore free) – is fully in Luganda/Runyakitara. This system will be based on the Linux Open-Source Platform.

Deployment will be based on:

• Assuring that all translated applications are made available (self-installation, even if very easy, is always a barrier for the user). This will be done through partnerships with computer vendors, the support of the government, partnerships with other NGOs who work on IT capacity-building and a campaign addressed to public Internet training places, so that they all install programs in Luganda/Runyakitara.

• Training. Development of good quality training materials that can be offered to computer skill training places, so that they can come easily into the market of teaching computer use in Luganda/Runyakitara. Development of a training certification program based on these training materials, providing certificates to those who pass the evaluations in as many computer applications as possible, as courses, certifying that trained teachers can teach with these materials, and certifying that certain training centers are prepared to teach using this method (they have trained teachers and the necessary facilities). ICT Translations – Uganda will provide training for trainers and the infrastructure for this system.

Deliverables at the end of this second stage will include:

• A complete free Luganda/Runyakitara computer system (SafariOS), with 100% of the applications used by 80% of the possible users. Documentation and training modules (this system will be deployed in stage 3).

• 20 % of experienced computer-trainers trained, equipped and certified to teach the use of the programs.

• 30% of public access computers (Internet Cafes) in Uganda with the programs installed.

• The applications available for installation in at least 80% of new computers sold in Uganda, the CD available at all software vendors, and books on the applications available on most bookstores.

7.5 Third Phase The seventeen month long third phase also has two separated tasks:

• Continuing technical advance with new tools and applications, reaching a larger number of users with at least one new version of the systems. Search for solutions to assure continuity of the development project.

• A new deployment campaign will aim at having vendors pre-installing this system, even if they also pre-install Microsoft. The goal is to try to have at least 50% of new systems by the fifth year installing the free Linux-based systems. Trainers that are already teaching the applications will be retrained to teach also the new systems.



Deliverables for the third milestone will include:

• One new version of the Luganda/Runyakitara software systems (SafariOS), with upgrades of the programs, fixes and reaction to user demands, including new software that is considered important by final users.

• All computer teachers trained in phase two will be re-trained to teach SafariOS.

• New user certification levels, including a “professional user” certification that will assure that the person who has the certificate can handle several applications easily and can also use SafariOS.

• Distribution. Reaching agreements with vendors for them to install SafariOS in at least 50% of new computers. Prepare a campaign for people to install this system in their computers together with the Microsoft system (both systems installed). Attempt to reach public access computers with the system.

• Assure continuity. A strong effort will be made to try to assure sources of income that will maintain the project, so that new versions are delivered at least once a year, and that the relationships with the industry are maintained, so that the benefits of the project are not lost and slowly disappear. Create partnerships with private sector companies that could lead to funding the sustainability of the project.

7.6 Required Structure and Human resources The project shall be housed by a NOT for profit organization – ICT Translations – Uganda.

A key issue for the project is to have an experienced ICT project manager who can organize the work, handle the necessary human resources and reach agreements with the hardware, software and training industries.

The project also consider –in each stage- limited help from foreign experts who will help guide the efforts of the project manager and his necessary relationship with the Open Source communities.

The project needs to include computer scientists who are able to understand the concepts that they need to translate, and therefore it requires them to have good English skills. Of course, the target languages are Luganda and Runyakitara, and therefore good Luganda and Runyakitara skills are also fundamental. The skills are probably easier to find in personnel that has studied language, linguistics or literature. The translation team will have to include the right mix of all these skills.

7.7 Risk factors As the project is enunciated and budgeted, the overall risk of the project is very low, as the dependence on outside factors is small. If the necessary resources are allocated, only two major sources of risk need to be looked at:

• Technical difficulties. Translation processes are well documented and require low technical knowledge. The experience in other countries shows that this is not an issue. The fact the team has achieve the translation of the Mozilla Communicator Suite is an assurance of the potential, commitment and competence towards project delivery. Low risk.

• Government involvement. The project does not require direct involvement of government, even if it would be most welcome if it existed. All developments are independent, requiring no intervention. If the government decides that a specific glossary or other standards should be used, the project should comply with them (change), but it should in no case wait for such standards to be developed. Low risk.



8 Future actions once the project is finished.

The international Open-Source community keeps advancing on the improvement of applications, as well as coming out with new ones. It is important to assure that:

• Be up to date on the latest versions of Open Source software.

• Update to (translate) new versions of product documentations.

• Analyse the needs of individual users, administrations and private Ugandan companies in order to search for applications that should be supported, translated and included in versions of the project.

• Create, package and distribute new versions of the project, maintaining the interest on the project.

• Evaluate impact of the project.

• Assure project sustainability

9 Project modules

As advanced in the planning chapter, the project is divided into modules. Each module is self-contained, with its own goals and deliverables, a given duration, specific resources needed and an associated cost that covers all necessary resources and equipment.

Besides duration, each module is also given starting and finishing dates, based on the project starting on January 2006, the dates give an idea of the slot in time in which the module is placed.

9.1 First phase: • Module 1- Language adaptation - Glossary Development of glossary, the basic computer terms needed by translators to translate software

and user manuals. Duration: 3 months (January 17th 2006 –April 18th 2006) Resources: 10 technical translators + project manager Cost: $7500.00 • Module 2- Equipment for translation facility (December 2005 – January 15th 2006)

8 Computers, 1 printers/scanner, network, office preparation In-charge: Administrator

Cost: $22800.00 • Module 3- Website development and Luganda/Runyakitara computer dictionary Duration: 6 months (April 20th 2006 – October 20th 2006) Resources: 6 technical translator + project manager Cost: $17000.00 • Module 4 - Translation and development of Internet applications Mozilla thunderbird (email-client) and Mozilla firefox (internet browser) and its help files. Duration: 6 months (April 20th 2006 – October 1st 2006) Resources: 12 technical translators + Technical Manager Cost: $ 23712.00



• Module 5- Translation of Open Office 2.0

Translation of Open office 2.0 suite (word processor, spreadsheet, presentation tool, other smaller applications)

Duration: 6 months (October 1st 2006 – March 30th 2007) Resources: 18 technical translators + project manager Cost: $30712.00 • Module 6 - Translation OpenOffice 2.0 Help files

Duration: 4 months (April 1st 2007 – July 31st 2007) Resources: 12 technical translators + project manager Cost: $15808.00

• Module 7 - Training modules and documentation for Internet applications in Luganda and Runyakitara, Development of training modules and documentation in Luganda /Runyakitara for the browser application and e-mail client software that have been translated. Translation and documentation of a web-mail interface that can be paired with the e-mail program. Duration: 3 months (October 1st 2006 – 22nd December 2006) Resources: 2 training experts, 6 technical translators + Coordinator. Deliverable: Two training modules, one for each language. Each module will be divided in two units (beginner and advanced). Evaluations will be produced for each unit. Documentation to be used for course support or self-study will also be made available. The web-mail program will be made available, together with documentation. Cost: $15000.00

• Module 8. - Documentation and training Materials for OpenOffice 2.0 Development of documentation and training materials in Luganda/Runyakitara for the OpenOffice 2.0 suite. Duration: 4 months (August 1st 2007 – November 30th) Resources: 2 training experts, 6 technical translators + Coordinator Deliverable: Three training modules, for each one of the major applications in both languages. Each one will include 30 hours of training divided in three units: beginner, medium and advanced. It will also include evaluations for each unit. User documentation for each application: it can be used either for self-training or as course support materials for the students. Cost: $21500.00

9.2 Second Phase:

• Module 9 - Preparation of e-learning course for OpenOffice 2.0 Creation of e-learning courses based on materials already developed. Training materials will be adequate for both self-learning and professor assisted training. Printing of 5,000 CDs with programs and training modules. Duration: 3 months (January 5th 2008 – April 5th 2008) Resources: 2 e-learning experts + project manager Deliverable: 5,000 CDs with 5 e-learning courses, one for each one of the training courses developed before. Cost: $14190.00

• Module 10 - Preparation and printing of materials for distribution and training.



o Printing 5,000 copies of complete documentation, for reference in training sites and

local government offices. It is important that these books are present in distribution sites, as part of the advertising campaign for the programs. Income from the sales will be used for new editions. Documentation will be low cost and sustainable.

o Printing of evaluation materials and any other support materials needed for running the courses. Printing of certificates to be handed to students who pass the evaluations. These materials will be sold to training places, and re-printed with the revenues of the sales.

o Printing of 10.000 CDs containing all the programs and available documentation in Luganda/Runyakitara.

Low-cost leaflets for advertising Cost: $16.150

• Module 11 – Other materials for advertising.

o Printing of 5000 “I use Luganda and Runyakitara software” t-shirts for trainers and first 500 trainees.

o Printing of 5000 “I use Luganda and Runyakitara Software” stickers for public Internet places.

o Printing of 200 stickers for training places, announcing that they offer training on Luganda and Runyakitara software.

Deliverable: All these materials finished by April 2008 Cost: $15800(approx.)

• Module 12 – Reaching out to training places. Training of trainers o Preparation of training for trainers’ methodology. o Offering of training for trainers at least once in each region along 2008. Training and

certification of trainers. Training will be free, directed to people who are already teaching the use of Microsoft applications. With the help of good training materials, three days of training should suffice, without taking too much time from them. All trainees will receive a complete set of training materials.

o Reaching certification agreements with training organizations. Certified organizations will need to have at least one certified teacher, will agree to run the SafariOS evaluations. In exchange they will be able to advertise that they are an officially certified training center and to issue documentation so that SafariOS can issue the certificates.

Duration: 6 months (May 2008 – October 2008) Resources: 2 training managers, 4 trainers (working as a team) + Project manager Deliverable: 200 to 300 trained, equipped and certified computer trainers, most of which are already working as computer teachers in training institutions. Cost: US54120.00

• Module 13 – Reaching out to public computer access places.

Ensuring that all the applications are installed in the public internet access places. A campaign will be carried to assure that most of internet public access computers in Uganda have tools in installed. Special emphasis will be given to places that offer free access for the less advantaged. Time will be spent with internet access owners to explain to them the advantages of local software, and how to manage multilingual software (many of their customers are also foreigners). Grouped training/discussion sessions will be organized when possible. Duration: 8 months (May 2008 – October 2008) Resources: 2 trainers + project manager (40%)



Deliverable: 50% of public access computers in Uganda prepared to use the applications developed by this project. Cost: $17.820

• Module14- Translation of Linux User Interface Translation of User interface (GNOME and KDE) Duration: 6 months (June 2008 – November 2008) Resources: 12 technical translators + project manager Cost: $40890.00 • Module15- Translation of other utilities Translation of other utilities (Multimedia, accessories, DVD, etc) Duration: 6 months (September 2008 – February 2009) Resources: 12 technical translators + project manager Cost: $40.890.00 • Module 16 – Preparation of training material for Linux system

Duration: 4 months (December 2008 – March 2009). Resources: 8 language expert + Coordinator Cost: $16.643.00

• Module 17 – Preparation training material for other utilities Duration: 3 months (December 2008 – March 2009). Resources: 8 language expert + Coordinator Cost: $16.643.00

• Module 18 – Packaging Period: 3 months (April 2009 – June 2009). Resources: 2 programmers + Technical manager Deliverable: A CD (or set of CDs) containing a complete free operating system in Luganda and Runyakitara language, including user interface and all applications. The CD will be very easy to install, and all the system will be installable in a computer that already has Windows on it, respecting the windows operating system, but giving the user the choice of using one or the other. Cost: $7.548.00

9.3 Third phase:

• Module 19 – Training of trainers for Linux system Period: 6 months (July 2009 – December 2009). Resources: 2 training managers, 8 trainers + project manager Cost: $52649.00

• Module 20 – Installation and distribution Resources: 4 trainers + project manager Period: 6 months (January 2010 – June 2010). Cost: $30403.00

• Module 21 – Development of version 2.0 Resources: 10 technical translators + Technical Manager



Period: 4 months (August 2010 – November 2010). Cost: $35424.00

• Module 22 – Documentation upgrade Resources: 8 technical translators + Coordinator Period: 4 months (August 2010 – November 2010). Cost: $30869.00



10 Budget

The budget of the SafariOS project is the addition of all the above mentioned modules. The only parts that have not been described above relate to

It covers all salaries, office costs, expatriate support, travel and team training costs, printing and distribution costs, and all costs associated to the delivery of the services described in the different modules. We estimated salaries will increase 10% every year.

Modules Total Yearly budget

M1 $7,500.00M2 $22,800.00M3 $17,000.00M4 $23,712.00M5 $30,712.00M6 $15,808.00M7 $15,000.00M8 $21,500.00Support+travelling $20,000.00M9 $14,190.00M10 $16,150.00M11 $15,800.00M12 $54,120.00M13 $17,820.00M14 $40,890.00M15 $40,890.00M16 $16,643.00M17 $16,643.00M18 $7,548.00Support+travelling $20,000.00M19 $52,649.00M20 $30,403.00M21 $35,424.00M22 $30,869.00Support+travelling $20,000.00Monthly Internet Costs (59 months), $29,500.00 $29,500.00Internet installation Costs. $5,000.00 $5,000.00Total $638,571.00

$260,694.00

$169,345.00

$174,032.00



11 The authors

Denis Lindo is the Finance and Administration Manager, ICT Translations Uganda, which is an organization made up of individuals and corporates that have an interest in promoting the use of indigenous languages in ICTs. Together with the other team members of ICT Translations Uganda, Mr. Lindo has advocated for a wider adoption of local language use of ICTs in schools, businesses and society in general with a belief that this shall contribute a faster economic development of Uganda.

Denis Lindo is a member of Kompyuta Africa Ltd, which is an indigenous enterprise that aims at advocating for the acquisition of a computer in every home in Uganda. As Kompyuta Africa we are involved in translating computer Applications and Magazines in local languages.

Denis Lindo is also the CEO SMEDA (Small & Medium Enterprise Development Agency) a network of professionals aiming at improving the livelihoods of SMEs in Uganda & Africa. Through SMEDA, Mr. Lindo has worked with a number of professionals in an attempt at finding solutions to common business challenges faced by small and medium entrepreneurs.

Until recently and for 5 years, Mr. Lindo has been the Station Manager of 104.1 Power FM, a Christian radio station aiming at reaching and influencing the youth in Uganda. Through this radio, Mr. Lindo has time and again advocated for the use of local languages in ICTs through a weekly business program of which he is the host.

E-mail: [email protected]

Ivan Mugabi is an Information Officer - Kompyuta Africa. www.kompyuta.net. He is a Programmer has a lot of experience in Web-development, Databases, & CAD. He has worked with numerous Institutional ICT departments in Uganda - Hospitals, Universities, etc. He is currently involved with ICT Translations (www.translate.org) Projects, Translating open source software into indigenous African languages. He is an advocate of ICT systems for rural development in Africa, and has participated in ICT awareness campaigns with numerous NGOs. [email protected]; [email protected]; James Wire Lunghabo is an experienced Information and Communications Technology professional with vast exposure to Internet services, rural and urban connectivity, Local and Wide Area Networking and Management Information Systems. Now managing an IT firm that focuses on network systems and software solutions development, deployment and support. Wire is an internationally acclaimed FOSS evangelist and spends a lot of time marketing FOSS at his place of work and in the various conferences he is invited to attend or facilitate as a speaker.

He is involved in a number of initiatives which include ICT-translations (www.translate,or,ug) as the co-ordinator, The East African Centre for Open Source Software (www.eacoss.org) as the General Manager, Africa’s pioneer FOSS specialized training institution, the Private Sector ICT Association (www.picta.or.ug) as a director, Linux Solutions (www.linuxsolutions.co.ug) as the Managing Director among others.

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]

http://www.kompyuta.net/



http://www.translate,or,ug/

http://www.eacoss.org/

http://www.picta.or.ug/

http://www.linuxsolutions.co.ug/




Appendix I

N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D

M1 Glossaries 11

M2 Procure Equipment 1

M3 Website & Dictionary 6

M4 Internet Applications 12

M5 Open Office 2.0 18

M6 Open Office Help Files. 12

M7 Training Modules & Docs for Internet Applications

6

M8 Training Modules & Docs for Open Office

6


M9 Open Office e-leaning Prog. 3

M10 Print & Distr. Training Docs. 2

M11 Advertising Material 2

M12 Training Trainers 7

M13 Public Places 2

M14 Linux Interface 12

M15 Linux Accessories 12

M16 Linux Training Modules 8

M17 L. Acc. Training Modules 8

M18 Linux OS Packaging. 3


M19 Train Trainers – Linux 10

M20 Linux Distribution 5

M21 Upgrade to Version 2.0 9

M22 Upgrade to Documentation 9

Third Phase

2006 20072005MOD

ULES

ACTI

VITY

Pers

onne

l

SCHEDULE OF WORKSSAFARI –OS

Translation of Open Source Software to Luganda and Runyakitara 2006 - 2010

First Phase2008 2009 2010

Second Phase


open source software localization - khmer software initiative

Documents