Tech Camps

The Atawe Tech Camps are web design training opportunities facilitated to give a global voice to non-governmental organizations (NGO) in Micronesia. Depending on local sponsors, these hands-on workshops provide NGO leaders (or their appropriate communication specialist) the techniques of planning, researching, designing, developing, marketing, and culminating in the launching of an actual website for the participating NGOs. A website serves as a bridge between the needs of the local NGO and the vast resources available on the internet.

The training empowers the leaders of these NGOs with sustainable skills to implement their organizational goals and missions. While having a website does not in itself solve the myriad of problems in Micronesia, it does offer a channel by which the local needs of the NGO can be connected with the vast array of global resources.

Locations

The Atawe Tech Camps are hosted at a local venue in Micronesia with a computer lab with internet connectivity. They are jointly coordinated by Atawe Design (Vid Raatior), the hosting organization (e.g. school), and other local NGOs. In addition, local and global funders are needed to help make the camps affordable for the participants and cost-effective for all sponsors. We invite people of goodwill to contact us at atawedesign@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities.

Objectives

At the conclusion of the Tech Camp, the participants will be able to…

  • Have a basic understanding of available web technologies and ways to utilize the internet to advance the organization’s mission, development, and public relation needs.
  • Research types of global funding opportunities available on the internet
  • Work with a Research Assistant to compile organization-specific web contents (mission, history, staff, reports, programs, forum, photos, etc) for the website.
  • Learn photo optimization techniques for effective web photo download
  • Have a basic understanding of html coding and web design strategies
  • Conduct pre-launch test of the organization’s website
  • Launch a website for the organization
  • Develop a strategic web technology marketing plan of action
  • Develop a staff development program on website maintenance skills
  • Develop a local strategic plan on collaborative efforts with other NGO leaders
Schedule Overview

The Tech Camps can last anywhere from 1-5 days as needed. All sessions are facilitated by Vidalino Raatior, a Chuukese international educator and principal web designer/founder of Atawe Design. Each day consists of a combination of classroom instructions, hands-on web research, one-on-one web design consultation with the facilitator, networking discussions, group consultations.

Closing Reception: At the conclusion of each Tech Camp, local sponsors and dignitaries are invited to join the participants and volunteers in a reception to formally announce and celebrate the launching of the websites. During the closing ceremony, each website is projected on the wall while being introduced by the student volunteers and NGO leader. It will be a chance to thank the sponsors and student volunteers who will be prominently featured on each individual website with names, photos, and a short biography.

Get Involved!

Volunteers: To mentor young Micronesian leaders into the work of non-governmental organizations, Tech Camps involve a team of student volunteers serving as Research Assistants (RA). These student volunteers provide valuable support services for the NGO leaders in the web content development phase of the web design. During the actual workshop, a tech savvy student will serve as the computer support specialists and researcher for each of the participants. The student volunteers will shadow the participants and utilize their English writing skills to compile web content under the direct supervision of the NGO leader.

Global Partners: Atawe Design needs the help of individuals, businesses, organizations, in the global community to fund the Tech Camps. With your help, the Atawe Tech Camp will truly empower the non-profit organizations throughout Micronesia to claim their rightful place in the global community through their own website. Sponsors are officially recognized at the Closing Ceremony and their names and logo with a brief bio will be included on the participating Tech Camps’ websites. Contact us if you wish to help.

Local Sponsors: The Tech Camps The Atawe Tech Camps are hosted at a local venue in Micronesia with a computer lab with internet connectivity. Every efforts will be made to raise funds to go towards the local sponsors to alleviate the high cost of electricity and other expenses.