"Letsati" is a Setswana word meaning sun. This new discussion forum series, offered by APC member SANGONeT, aims to demonstrate the practical benefits of technology to the South African non-profit sector. The Letsatsi forums concentrate on technology deployment issues and challenges, and will enable participants to benefit from expertise drawn directly from technology service providers, industry analysts and civil society organisations that deal with technology and related issues.
Potential beneficiaries are expected to be non-technical senior management staff and decision-makers within the non-profit sector.
The first Letsatsi was held on 11 May 2004 in Braamfontein, and included two workshops which were facilitated by Sean De Witt of the Fund for the City of New York (FCNY). The first workshop focused on data management in the non-profit sector, while the second workshop included a practical demonstration of the "Up & Running" database management software which was developed by the FCNY.
The FCNY has identified a set of common data management needs of small to mid-sized non-profits, and has designed a system with the potential to save non-profits’ money, time and effort. This community software product is distributed free of charge. It was developed using Microsoft Access and follows an open-source development model. Copies of the application were given to all participants.
For more information on future Letsatsi forums, please contact
Joseph George – joseph@sangonet.org.za
