Non-Profit IT Workshop
Cinnamon Buns & Coffee with Cyber Security, Connectivity & Collaboration!
With speakers from ZICTA, Build It International and the Asikana Network, we were thrilled to mark the official launch of Clea in Lusaka with a non-profit IT workshop and breakfast networking session at BongoHive. With attendees from various charities and social impact organisations, it was educating to hear people’s stories and their experiences with tech. Connecting over coffee and cinnamon buns, we discussed the critical importance of healthy IT for the sector – and more importantly how to deliver it within tight budgets.
We wanted to share the presentation and a summary of the event with you. We hope you find it useful!
Please click on image to view full presentation.
Digital Support for Positive Change
Clea Founder Ged Kennedy opened the event. Moving into the non-profit world after three decades as an entrepreneur and business owner in the IT Sector, the need for affordable, quality IT support in the non-profit sector became quickly apparent.
Mr. Patrick Mutimushi, Director General of the Zambian Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), kindly joined us to say a few words on ZICTA’s work and the importance of ensuring quality, secure, accessible and affordable ICT services across Zambia – an aim shared by everyone in the room!
Moving on to the story behind Clea, Ged explained that he started his move from commercial into non-profit by volunteering at Build It International as an ICT advisor. A UK and Zambia based NGO, Build It International deliver projects across Zambia to build brighter futures for young people. Mabvuto Phiri, Head of Finance at Build It International, gave an update on their work and spoke to the benefits of working with Clea.
Opportunity Gap
With trips to Kenya and Zambia, it became more apparent that on one side, non-profits are perennially struggling to fund overhead costs whilst on the other, there are a sizeable number of skilled ICT analysts with an opportunity gap in Zambia. Clea was born out of the attempt to solve both problems at once – investing in a Zambian team of tech analysts to boost the impact of social impact organisations delivering projects in Zambia. Founded in 2018, the team – like most of our clients - is split between the UK and Zambia – working remotely using Office 365 and the other tools we implement in non-profits.
Currently the Clea team is 100% male, headed up by Ged and supported by Francis Banda and Lewis Kunda. Keen to promote opportunities for women in tech, the team will be looking to expand their team in the future. Regina Mtonga took to the stage to underline the challenges of women in the industry. One of the founders of the Asikana Network - a social enterprise actively increasing participation of women and girls in tech – Regina is leading the charge to address this via education, mentorship and vocational placements.
Harnessing Tech to Boost your Impact
The Clea team then took to the floor to deliver a workshop on how we can bridge the gap between where many non-profits are now and where, with a little help, they can be.
Starting with a tech assessment, our team put a plan in place for your non-profit that takes into account your existing set up and budget restrictions. Bolstered by ongoing responsive support, cloud technology and staff training, these build strong foundations for effective cyber security, connectivity and collaboration.
Cyber security can make or break an organisation and it is critical that you have the correct measures in place to protect your data, files and finances. Connectivity – or a lack thereof – can present daily challenges in the office and on the go – slowing down your work, losing emails and affecting business continuity. Collaboration is key in any organisation but in cash-strapped, globally spread non-profit teams, cloud tech is an excellent way to communicate, unify teams and share information instantly. In short, these three core pillars provide an effective and healthy IT foundation that will boost your impact and will prove to be more economical down the line.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend. We heard your stories and we look forward to working together to harness tech to boost your impact. Thanks also to the team at BongoHive for hosting and for taking some excellent photos!