Projects & Services >
Regional Support Hub
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eRiding-based technology
support services to civil society
organisations
of all sectors.
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Ungana-Afrika
is a regional provider of eRiding services. eRiding is a low-cost
ICT support and capacity building model for development networks and
organisations. This model has growing global representation in over 20
countries.
Regional Support Hub Projects
Ungana-Afrika's "in house" eRiding efforts
provide
technology support and capacity-building to a wide range of
organisations across several sectors.
See more
projects from other service areas.
What is an eRider?
eRiders
in Zimbabwe
An eRider is a
multi-disciplined technology consultant working on-the-ground with a
community or sector of non-profit organisations. eRiders provide custom
services that help these organisations effectively integrate ICTs into
their strategy, and empower them to better achieve their missions.
These consultants usually operate on a repeated
“circuit” within their working region (1 day to 1
week visits with each client), so follow-up and evaluation is built
into this dynamic model. Currently eRiders and eRider programs operate
in over 20 countries worldwide.
eRider operations are
designed for the development community. Unlike commercial consultants,
eRiders prioritize training and skills-transfer to encourage
independence, and internally-driven growth. In addition, eRiding costs
are minimized through non-profit structures and subsidies.
eRiding on a Global Scale
 The eRiding model that
Ungana-Afrika is utilizing in the African environment is not a new
concept; it has been developed, implemented and tested in several
regions.
Worldwide, nonprofit
organisations are now tapping into the benefits of information and
communication technologies, and eRiding has evolved as a powerful
support structure for them. From "Circuit Riding" (as it is called in
the US), to the many networks of international mobile technicians, the
concept has grown into an established profession. Ungana-Afrika is
built upon the foundation created by this international network and is
closely involved with its growth and development.
Much more information
about this global eRider community can be found at the eRider web
portal: www.eriders.net
Strategic
Technology Assessment and Planning (A Support Hub Service)
Focused
planning that connects an organisation’s use of technology
(current and future) to its mission.
Ungana-Afrika has years of experience
delivering ICT assessment and planning services that are specifically
designed for Southern African civil society organisations. The
technology plan that results from this process is a detailed, written
document that connects an organisation’s use of technology
(current and future) to achieving its mission. Rather than being
technology-focused, the technology plan considers organisational
priorities and how technology can be employed to addresses existing
needs, complement current strategies and innovate new service
opportunities.
Assessment...
During the assessment process, an
eRider
analyses and documents how your organisation currently uses technology,
and what bottlenecks exist. This can include site-visits to several
locations if your organisation is distributed.
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Assessment Services:
- Staff Skill Analysis
- Workstation Analysis
- Network/Communications
Analysis
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Planning...
Building off of the assessment results
and your strategic goals, an eRider facilitates a focused technology
planning process with your organisation. The results of the process are
documented and an implementation strategy is clearly defined. The
resulting document(s)
can even be used as fundraising tools.
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Planning Services:
- Strategic Technology Planning
- Staff Training Strategy
- Software/Hardware Selection
- Website Planning
- Database Planning
- Communication Strategy
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Technology
Training and Implementation (A Support Hub Service)
Hands-on
delivery of on-site technology training and implementation efforts.
These training and implementation services
can
follow, and compliment, the assessment and planning process, or they
can stand alone for organisations that already have identified a
specific training or implementation need.
Under the structure of the eRider model, these interventions would
typically involve repeated visits, over a number of months, to
encourage ownership and sustainability.
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Training...
Technology
tools and resources are negligible without the proper staff capacity.
An eRider can develop, and deliver, a
specialized training program to meet your unique needs.
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Training Topics:
- Basic Computer Use
- Office Productivity
- Internet Use
- Specialized Training
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Implementation...
An eRider can assist direct hands-on
implementation projects, (typically based on the outputs of the
technology assessment and planning processes). Implementation efforts
always prioritize knowledge transfer and
internal growth.
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Implementation Services:
- Network Installation
- Backup Implementation
- Antivirus Implementation
- Computer Optimizations
- Specialized (Wireless, etc...)
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