The past few months at the AirJaldi Network Academy have been quite hectic and very fruitful. Amongst other things were eight weeks spent in Delhi, a key outcome of which is a brand new Red Hat Certified Engineer in our midst! (Me! :-) Of course, it's best to set this fancy titles (and its barefy impressive acronym) aside... This qualification is valuable for the expanded and formalized understanding of Linux internals and basics; a first step, a launch pad from which to blast off towards being "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger." As AirJaldi grows, with its technology and experience spinning off into a rapidly expanding network, there are exciting opportunities to hone and develop these skills. But more on all that, in other posts and at other times.

As importantly, another iteration of Cisco's IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software is almost over, just in time before the onslaught of the monsoons is unleashed. Staged a few kilometres from Dharamshala, participants for this episode of ITE were members and associates of Nishtha and Jagori Grameen , two prominent local grassroots NGOs. Nishtha has been in the Sidhbari area of Dharamshala for three decades now, working for the welfare of the local population through service and programmes on health, education, environment. Jagori is a prominent women's rights organization, and is active in over 70 villages in the Kangra district. Amongst other activities, Nishtha and Jagori run computer classes, information centres and youth groups,

Thoughts about possible collaborations began earlier this year during a weekend retreat with friends associated with both organizations. The importance of training to formalize, strengthen, solidify and extend existing computer skills emerged even during the initial brainstorming. With fourteen participants - three members of Nishtha, five members of Jagori, one volunteer/interrn each at these organizations, and four nominated members of the local community - training foruitously commenced on May Day. We crafted a cusomized training schedule spread over six to eight weeks, keeping the unique circumstances - participants' professional engagements, for instance - in mind. Now, with proceedings over and only some formalities remaining, the benefits of this extended engagement are apparent. The transformation is evident - participants have achieved a level of proficiency with PC and network fundamentals. With the confidence, experience and hands-on skills to assemble, administer a small wired network and its components, they are now better prepared to support their organization's computing environment, and teaching and outreach activities.