Linux for the community

[spring]

Hello all There is a project called Tapuah ( http://www.tapuah.org.il ) that is aimed at helping introducing the internet to people from a low socioeconomical status, especially in the peripheria . For it's current aims, acheivements and further details see the above link.   The idea came up to cooporate with them to promote linux and help spread the use of it, not only for its educational value (which is immense) but also as a means for people to use cheaper machines, and use an OS without having to break copyrights.   I've talked to the guys at Tapuah, they are very interested and are ready to provide us with equipment and assistance  - computer rooms etc. What we need to provide is volunteering lecturers for lectures at those classes, in the form of the haifux for-newbies lectures maybe, or if anyone wants to form a program and make it happen, you are all most wellcome to.   The current plan is to start with one or two tapuach centers  (map of centers : http://www.tapuah.org.il/serve/main_site/tapuach_map.asp ) with groups that will be composed possibly of highschool kids, or people that the center will reccomend . The centers that they have offered to start with are Tiberias or Hatzor Haglilit - since those centers have classes of computers they can dedicate to linux! They should also pay for the ride of the lecturer to the center and back, so all you volunteer is your time. Also if anyone is interested in leading a linux course at their erea, great! contact me, or Amutat Tapuah through their site.     Tapuah is a private cometee, but they work also closely with the government (in terms of fonding). Working with them will help promoting linux in many ways:   1.Promote awareness to alternatives to Win* 2.Enlarge the number of Israeli Linux users 3.Help educate people 4.Possibly get fonding for Linux projects - like translations of documents and standard hebrew support  5.Students might get grants if they volunteer to take part on regular basis (something like "Perah" , but this is not official yet)   As I've said, this is all still "in diapers".  I will soon post here an email address and a phone number of tapuah, so ppl can talk to them directly, this email is aimed just to rais the subject. Spread the word! And feel free to email me.   Shana Tova everyone, Ma'ayan.