2010 How did we fare!

As 2010 comes to a close I have been thinking over the year and especially with regard to my actives on and for the LUG. As traditionally this is the time for lists, I thought I'd write two of my own;

What did I think went well this year and what went not so well;

Did Well List

• Another year when we held a meeting every month; I have to say this did prove tough at times, but we did manage it, even if a few were snap meetings!

  http://linux.or.ug/events

• Held several extra events; Although none were necessarily Linux/FOSS only we did manage to pull of a couple of large scale events, and I am looking forward to doing more in 2011.

  http://linux.or.ug/node/796,
  http://linux.or.ug/node/684

• Grew the community; We now have at least got members outside of Kampala, they may not hold meetings as often as us but the idea has been born. For 2011 we need to look at strengthening and growing this outreach. Expanding into the Universities and Schools.

  http://linux.or.ug/node/449
  http://linux.or.ug/node/444

• Grew the brand; I think due to some high profile events and collaborations the LUG is now far more widely known. Again more of the same next year. Including having events in public places such as Nakumatt Mall.

  http://linux.or.ug/node/651#1103

• Continue to meet interesting people; I have made some new friends this year and had some very entertaining and at times thought provoking conversation in our meetings.
  
  http://linux.or.ug/media
  

• Formed ties within the industry; I think it would be fair to say those in the know, know us. Especially the IT Media which is important. A special thanks to them continuing to have an active role in promoting FOSS in Uganda.
  http://linux.or.ug/node/862#
   

Did not so Well list

• Still a lack of community involvement; We still have a core of non-Ugandans running the events each month, editing the website, providing the ideas. I guess this is maybe about time and more work, I am interested to know how we can change this, and maybe by reaching out to the Universities that will change a bit.

• Policy and Government engagement; We have done little to change the government policies or influence regarding FOSS, especially in education and area I think we all agree is important. More effort is definitely required.

• Engaged business sector directly; We still need to raise the visibilty of FOSS in the SME/NGO sector and the solutions page I think will go a long way to fix this. Also by encouraging local IT Businesses to use FOSS, such as pre-installing it onto laptops.
• Secure funding; At the moment this is mainly being funded from the pockets of those involved, but if we are going to do great things we might need to look at how can fund events etc.
• Did not do enough around gaming; Having seen the reaction the children who attended our this is uganda lan party,  http://linux.or.ug/node/922# I was reminded why I think this is such an important tool in the introduction of IT to youngsters.
  It might not be obvious at first what value gaming brings youngsters, but you examine closely and soon something else. Teamwork! Hand Eye Co-ordination Skills improving in front of your very eyes, as well as just a general interest in IT and how it works. Several people I have spoken to have confirmed to me that their early experiences in gaming lead to their IT career choices later in life.
  It brings together so many aspects of the IT field. Networking, 3D Design, Hardware Knowledge, as well as just so being so much fun! So expect to see a lot more of gaming themed events in 2011.

Well those are my thoughts for 2010, I am looking forward to 2011 and seeing how we can push the barrier further and further. We still have lots to do to encourage the government and business to look at FLOSS seriously, but everyday I see signs that this is a battle we are winning. I wish you and yours a Happy Holidays and FLOSStastic New Year!

Simon