Type: Training Course
Target Group: Linux administrators + trainers for Linux administration
Country: Cambodia
Partners: National Information Communications Technology Development Authority (NiDA), [launching partner: Open Forum of Cambodia (OFC)]

Activity Outline

NiDA and Open Forum together with InWEnt provide customized and localized training courses on Linux administration in Khmer language. The courses target Linux administrators and trainers for Linux administration. Moreover, the initiative establishes a pool of 250 to 300 trainers capable of teaching the use of FOSS end-user applications in Khmer language (word processing, spreadsheets, Internet, etc.).

Objective

Through well trained local FOSS multipliers, it-foss aims to reach out to larger user groups in Cambodia, so that eventually more FOSS related businesses can be established and more FOSS solutions will be developed, as well as more Cambodians can competently use the software for their needs.

Background

The National Information Communications Technology Development Authority (NiDA) of Cambodia and the Open Forum of Cambodia (OFC) are implementing a national master plan on Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). The courses, creating FOSS administration training capacity in Cambodia, are part of this overall plan.

Results

• In 2005, 34 representatives of the partner organizations NiDA and OFC were trained in Linux server administration. A train-the-trainer programme prepared them to pass on their knowledge. The local training partner agency developed comprehensive training materials in Khmer, that are now also being used in local universities.


• About 500 representatives of different Cambodian FOSS end-user groups (IT teachers, IT staff of public organizations, IT business people, and students) were trained in applications of the localized Khmer Open Office version, in various training courses throughout the country.


• For the first time, FOSS training materials for about 60 course hours are available in Khmer language. They are being used by the trained FOSS multipliers, as well as in local universities where they have contributed to enhancing course qualities.