2021…..
Before getting into the overall year roundup, we should take a look to its last few sessions (7, 8, 9), which have included some fantastic moments!
Firstly, the Kampot Khmer/Kuma Cambodia Shipments!
We decided that to end off 2021, the main goal would be to finally get some technology into the hands of services that could make use of them. While coordination was slightly complicated, the collective effort of our members really helped Tech Tinkers to pull through. When discussing the laptops with Kampot Khmer, we found that updates had to be made, e.g Installing Android Studio, Google Chrome, which meant that re-tooling laptops was necessary, a slightly arduous process.
^(laptop installed with android studio and google chrome!)
But that was successful in the end, and we were able to complete almost 10 laptops, fully optimised with chargers and ready to ship. While this was slightly below our previous expectations, just getting tech out was extremely satisfying.
Having two services requesting electronics (Kampot Khmer and Kuma Cambodia) caused us to spread ourselves pretty thin, as well as spreading our resources pretty thin. We decided to split our electronics in two, laptops for Kampot Khmer and phones for Kuma Cambodia. This proved to be successful as it catered to both service’s needs without neglecting one or the other. Handing the box of electronics to the service office to be transferred to our service partners was extremely rewarding and definitely a prominent moment to seal off 2021.
(Left: Electronics headed to service office!) (Right: Editing Tech Tinkers video!)
Aside from the electronics donated, we also put in effort into our Tech Tinkers e-waste video. Through a combined effort of the EI Chairs we compiled a short video explaining who Tech Tinkers are as well as what we need. Hopefully by sharing this video we will be able to raise e-waste donations to the Zero Waste Centre and subsequently Tech Tinkers. Compiling this video took time and effort in order to put some Tech Tinkers personality into it, but it is truly something we can be happy with and may be used for following years of Tech Tinkers.
YEAR REVIEW
2021 has been yet another COVID stricken year, but Tech Tinkers has remained strong. If there were one word to describe Tech Tinkers this year, it would be: Resilience. During the 2020-2021 academic year, adjusting to the return from online learning did take some time, as the service had to re-adjust to physical sessions. Furthermore, our sources of electronics donations (businesses) were also strained. To combat this, work on the portfolio was revived which has been good to re-establish tracking Tech Tinkers’ progress.
And into the 2021-22 school year, there has been a clear focus on communication (hence why the portfolio is receiving more frequent updates), as well as ensuring there is electronics going out the door. There has been good progress on that front, as we were able to donate to service partners like Kampot Khmer, as well as Kuma Cambodia. In communication, the Tech Tinkers video should also prove to be useful.
In terms of highlights and places for improvements:
HIGHLIGHTS (2021-22 Year):
- Electronics (+/- 17 Phones, 6 Laptops) donated
- Work done to reorganising charger system and inventory layout
- Tech Tinkers video created
PLACES FOR IMPROVEMENTS:
- Collection of electronics (e.g Chargers and Laptops/Phones)
- New log to be implemented
(Ryan Hayashi (EI leader) and Skye (Previous leader) working on the updated Tech Tinkers log)
Speaking of the new log, this would definitely be an important component of Tech Tinkers 2022. Incorporating this should prove to be key to the sustainability of the service (as more and more entries are added to the Tech Tinkers log). Looking forward to 2022 also sees entry of new service members from grade 9 as their signups have opened. Incorporating new members is really exciting for us (the more the merrier). And members from grade 10 and continuing grade 12s are seriously appreciated to their dedication to our cause. Truly, Tech Tinkers’ worth lies in its people. Going into 2022, there seems to be an air of optimism as we definitely finished 2021 strong. Let’s keep the wheels turning!