The Mothers of Plaza de Mayo are a symbol for freedom, courage, hope, and social justice, for Argentina and Latin America as a whole, in much the way that, for example, that Desmond Tutu is a symbol for the people of South Africa, and perhaps Africa as a whole. While most people on this list of course already know this, what many do not know is how we, as free software and free knowledge people, can help the Madres university, a popular university itself a model of free knowledge, to further educate others. When I visit Argentina, it will be principally to correct a mistake another had made, for I can think of no immediately better home for the ideals and goals of software freedom or free knowledge than the Madres University. But my goal should not be simply to speak there. I wish to see free software used to directly further the mission of the university, and I believe this is where others on this list can help. We can help by helping them to establish and deploy tools for teaching using free software. One particular project I think would be very useful is the Knowledge Environment for Web based e-Learning (Kewl), developed out of the University of West Cape. This could offer the possibility for Madres to engage in distance learning, and hence reach out beyond those who can physically attend the university itself. VoIP could also offer possibilities, both for distance learning, and even general use. Basic infrastructure needs can and should be met by free software. Of course I would love to see Daniel's work on Ututo used there also, whether for backend services or for classroom use. I imagine hardware can be found or donated to support such an effort as well. Even very old hardware can be effectivily used in an effort like this. In fact, it may be worthwhile to also demonstrate this using Ututo, which can be so very well optimized. I think we should look at what the Madres University and similar efforts are doing in terms of where we think the ideas behind free knowledge should go. -------------------------------------------------------
participants (1)
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Juan Carlos Gentile