Typical, this takes 2 - 3 months.

The purpose of the KHouse feasibility study is to build a workable and sustainable plan of the dream about one or more new KHouses in desired areas. The final plan will contain sufficient details, including financial, so that it may be presented to potential funders. It will explain how the KHouse goals can be technically, practically, and economically realized, and be safely initiated.

Another purpose is to make sure that local partner(s) fully understands and agrees with all elements of the joint plan.

Work Outline

Meet with local partner

Introductory seminar (typically 1 day, on-site) Define cooperation Type of cooperation Define scope of work Type of KHouse (goal) Build from scratch, or seek cooperation? What will it take to connect the KHouse workstations to the Internet? What are the partner's ambitions? In financial terms? In strategical terms? Duration of cooperation (from, to). Typically, the main project has a duration of 3 years. Recipients of KHouse services: Names of schools Number of teachers and students? Distance from the KHouse site? Distribution by age and gender Other characteristics Define other audiences (street kids, kids in the neighborhood, indigenous kids, children in a hospital, etc.). Use of incentive plans to ensure results Incentives for teachers Incentives KHouse staff Organize cooperation How do we organize ourselves to accomplish those administrative actions and objectives that we must have in place before seeking funding? Define roles project management coordination functions procurement. Appointment of qualified staff for tasks How do we replace persons with someone with comparable experience if required? Local partner's training needs. Review important permits, licences and permissions that must be dealt with during the project Review potential challenges related to complying with local laws. Allocate responsibilities How do we establish means of regular communications and meetings (include use of the Internet)? Define the project's financial organization rules for handling of unforeseeable expenses liability insurance. The project's time schedule Formalize agreement of cooperation invoicing payments follow-up reporting financial controls measurement of results Collect additional budgeting details Evaluate partnership Review partner's capacity competence financing needs Review partner's suitability for partnership major resources major limitations important social and cultural norms and values Review partner's need for support

Meet local educational authorities

Discuss joint interest, attitudes, priorities, opportunities for cooperation

Meet potential second-tier partners

Best is to find premises for the KHouse with an organization that might become prospect for taking over the activity after 3 years, and make operations sustainable.

Optional: Meet with eligible teachers

If appropriate for the proposed project. Sometimes, so much time must be spent on joint planning with the potential partner that this should wait until later. In other cases, teachers are simply not part of the plan. One-day seminar Discuss common interest, attitudes, priorities, qualifications Discuss teachers' role in project Discuss needs for training/follow-up Discuss suggested incentive plans, if any

Optional: Meet with KHouse suppliers

Depends on the proposed nature of the cooperation with a local organization. Discuss need for training, if relevant.

Write report/Application to sponsor(s)

Revise schedule/budget. Submit to sponsor.

Contact Odd de Presno for more information. | Background reading: School Based Telecenters (The World Bank Group)