Posts tagged as:

practica

Dutch Parting Gifts

August 29, 2009

The fine folks at Practica gave me this as a parting gift. Classic. And you know what? People actually still use wooden shoes! Not every one, every day, but the odd person does for certain tasks. It has been known to happen. They convinced me, over about 30 minutes and a couple videos. Now if [...]

0 comments Keep reading →

Momentum Behind Market Solutions for the Rural Poor

August 28, 2009

Seth Godin seems to be backing Acumen Fund, most recently in this nice post. But he’s not just pitching Acumen, he understands, and outlines the approach nicely.
On the potential impact when the rural poor can create a small buffer:
“From a fundraising point of view, this endless emergency is exactly what a non-profit needs to find [...]

4 comments Keep reading →

Forget Needs. Design for Wants.

August 13, 2009

We’re pumping out a lot of really good technical support material within Practica right now. Helping people understand aspects of what we do, such as new technology development, training manufacturers, quality control, as well as information on all of our products. It’ll be freely distributed once we’re done.
But one thing I keep coming across is [...]

8 comments Keep reading →

Practica is on Fire

August 7, 2009

I don’t post too much about Practica here, or our daily work. Partly because every day is not euphoric. Partly because other interesting things crop up. But we’re on fire right now.
In Ethiopia, we’re adding staff, adding furniture and adding promotion tools. My temporary replacement arrived today, who will coordinate matters for a few months [...]

4 comments Keep reading →

Shot of the Day: 10pm

August 4, 2009

I love that it’s after 10pm, and our staff is still working hard. Lit a little fire today, to get some pumps ready for an important Practica field test.
B
Check out more:  Ethiopia - Create+Build - Work - Development - Shots of the Day
       

3 comments Keep reading →

Shot of the Day: Making Development Work

July 4, 2009

When it comes to the world of development, this is kinda how I see Practica.
B
       

2 comments Keep reading →

Shot of the Day: Daily Creation

June 13, 2009

What did you create today?
A metalworker in a Practica-trained rope pump workshop in Axum, Ethiopia. This is one of those shots where I hesitated a long time before breaking out the camera. So happy I did.
Thanks for all the great comments, links and retweets on the 13 Tips Post. I’m stoked to have so much [...]

3 comments Keep reading →

Shot of the Day: More Airports

May 17, 2009

After a productive week with Practica and a relaxing weekend, it’s back to Ethiopia. After a little of this, of course. People sleeping in Cairo Airport, on my way over.
B
       

0 comments Keep reading →

Shot of the Day: Bruk

May 16, 2009

If I was starting an NGO here (which, I guess, I am) and Bruk was not already working for another organization (which, unfortunately, he is), he’s the first employee I’d hire in Ethiopia. He’s a driver/procurement officer with IDE, working with Practica people regularly. He’s extremely hardworking, insightful on many things Ethiopian and always smiling. [...]

0 comments Keep reading →

Want to Build a Country Program?

April 24, 2009

Want to build a country program? Design and disseminate ultra low cost technologies that help people in developing communities improve their lives? Take a key role in a growing organization? Challenge yourself to work in a complex, unique and tremendously rewarding culture?
Practica is looking for a new Country Representative for Ethiopia. My job. It’s a [...]

6 comments Keep reading →

← Previous Entries