mikes web log

A significant problem has appeared.

The project is linked to the e-learning foundation. This link is the foundation for sustainability. We are asking the families who receive the computers to donate £10 per month to the foundation. This is then returned to the project minus expenses. It is anticipated that this will provide for future support for the project. 

At the start of the project our main concern was installation. We thought the money bit would sort itself out so it was at the bottom of our list. There was no proper link between installation and donations. The first problem that appeared were families having donations taken from bank accounts when their computer had not been installed. This was quickly resolved by cancelling direct debit orders and returning monies. However a more dramatic problem is evolving – we are having to tackle those parents who want to pay and cannot because they have not been given a direct debit or have not been asked to pay. This are now talking to those who have been asked to pay and have paid – as you would expect in the communities we serve. Then there are fears that those who have not paid  will suddenly be asked for not one but three months of payment.

I am relieved that we have now appointed somebody to tackle these problems over the next ten weeks. The message is – this is an area that will not sort itself out. It is a complex area involving mutiple interations, school – family, family – e-learning foundation, project  – family and so on. The dangers are potentially significant.