Linda's Blogspot

Digital Technology in Rural Senegal The integration of digital technology in rural Senegal is fueled by a profound sense of optimism, rooted in the belief that education can bridge the urban-rural divide and foster a new generation of local innovators. ​ Empowering the Next Generation: The government’s commitment to training 105,000 educators ensures that even remote classrooms are equipped to guide students through the modern digital landscape. ​ Accessible Learning: By utilizing tools like "Ideas Cubes," rural students—who previously faced barriers to information—now have reliable, high-quality educational resources at their fingertips. ​ Cultural Integration: The focus on teaching in local languages and adapting materials to local needs demonstrates an optimistic approach to inclusion, ensuring that technology serves the community’s unique identity rather than replacing it. ​ From Consumers to Innovators: This educational framework aims to shift the r...

Senegal New Deal Technologique" (2025–2034)  Senegal is actively bridging the urban-rural digital divide through its "New Deal Technologique" (2025–2034) and its National AI Strategy, with the goal of bringing connectivity and AI literacy to its most remote regions. ​Infrastructure and Connectivity ​The government has established a target of 95% internet coverage nationwide by 2034. Key initiatives to achieve this include: ​ Digital Public Infrastructure: Implementing integrated platforms that allow rural citizens to access essential government services, such as business registration and land registry, locally. ​ National ID: Deploying a biometric digital ID system to ensure all citizens have secure access to these services regardless of their location. ​ Infrastructure Financing: Collaborating with the Smart Africa alliance to develop sustainable financing models for building resilient digital infrastructure. ​Expanding AI Literacy and Skills ​T...

  Ideas Cubes Facilitate Offline "AI" The "Ideas Cube" is a portable, ultra-autonomous digital server designed to function as an offline Wi-Fi hotspot. It is not an AI-processing device in the cloud-connected sense, but rather a bridge for educational equity. ​How Ideas Cubes Facilitate Offline "AI" and Digital Interaction ​While the Ideas Cube itself acts as a local server rather than a cloud-based AI engine, it facilitates "AI-powered" or intelligent interaction through several mechanisms: ​ Pre-loaded Offline Content: The device comes pre-loaded with thousands of educational resources—such as Wikipedia, Khan Academy, and TED Talks—which are accessible via a dedicated, easy-to-navigate interface. Users interact with this content as they would with online platforms, but without the need for an internet connection. ​ Curated Educational Tools: The content includes interactive exercises, courses, and educational games adapted to nation...

  AI Governance and Senegal: The governance of AI and digital transformation in Senegal involves a collaborative effort across several ministries, specialized agencies, and advisory bodies. While there is no single entity solely dedicated to AI, the following organizations and structures oversee the regulatory environment and strategic implementation: ​Key Governmental and Supervisory Bodies ​ Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy (MCTEN): This is the primary ministry responsible for defining and coordinating the national digital strategy and the implementation of AI-related policies. It oversees the overall " New Deal Technologique". ​ Commission de Protection des Données Personnelles (CDP): As Senegal’s data protection authority, the CDP is a pivotal regulatory actor for AI. It enforces privacy laws and has taken an active stance in regulating emerging technologies, such as rejecting biometric or facial recognition applications that...

​ AI Sovereignty: Why the Future of Open Source Matters Reflections from UN Open Source Week 2026 ​As AI rapidly transforms our daily lives—from the smartphone assistants in our pockets to the complex information systems powering our political discourse—a vital question has emerged: Who controls the AI that defines our world? ​ The Core Challenge Most countries currently rely on foundational AI models developed in only a few nations. This creates a reliance that threatens "AI Sovereignty"—the ability for a nation to control its own digital future, culture, and information systems. ​ Redefining Our Digital Interaction AI is no longer just a tool; it is becoming a "digital staff". We rely on LLMs (Large Language Models) to act as researchers, assistants, and even friends. This shift changes: ​ Information Diet: The sources and biases built into our AI models directly influence what we know and how we think. ​ Cultural Identity: If AI systems do not ...

Black Parisian Renaissance (1940–1960) The "Black Parisian Renaissance" (1940–1960) was a pivotal era of artistic, literary, and political transformation in post-World War II Paris. During this time, the city functioned as a global hub for the Black diaspora—drawing writers, musicians, and intellectuals from the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean. ​A Crossroads of Cultures ​Paris served as a sanctuary for those fleeing the structural racism of the United States and the restrictive colonial environments of their respective home countries. The Left Bank, particularly cafes like Le Dôme , La Coupole , and Café de Flore , became the epicenters of this creative exchange. In these spaces, African American expatriates—such as Richard Wright and James Baldwin —interacted with French Surrealists and intellectuals from the African and Caribbean colonies to challenge existing colonial narratives and redefine modernism. ​Key Drivers of the Movement ​ Pan-Africanism and Prés...

Reframing the Narrative: African Contributions to Parisian Intellectual History Paris has long served as a vital intellectual and cultural crossroads, particularly for Black thinkers, artists, and activists from Africa and the diaspora. While the broader "Black Parisian" narrative is often focused on the Francophone world (such as Senegal or the Caribbean), the presence and historical influence of Benin, Nigeria, and Kenya are marked by distinct pathways of diplomacy, artistic exchange, and intellectual engagement. ​The Historical and Cultural Landscape ​ Benin and France: The connection is deeply rooted in colonial history and contemporary restitution efforts. The Kingdom of Benin (in modern-day Nigeria) is historically significant to European intellectual history because the arrival of its complex bronze sculptures in Europe—including Paris—fundamentally challenged early 20th-century Western perceptions of African art. In recent years, Paris has become a central site ...

  African history in France: It is accurate to characterize the influence of Kenya in Paris as different in nature, scale, and history compared to the roles played by Senegal or African Americans. ​The differences stem from distinct historical, political, and social contexts: ​ Senegal: As the former capital of French West Africa, Senegal has deep, structural ties to France. The French policy of assimilation and the historical presence of the originaires (residents of Saint-Louis and Gorée who were granted French citizenship as early as 1848) created a long-standing, ingrained cultural and political relationship that is unique among African nations. Consequently, the Senegalese diaspora in France is large and deeply integrated into the fabric of French society. ​ African Americans: The African American presence in Paris is rooted in a history of migration that spans centuries, often driven by the desire to escape systemic racism in the United States. During the World War...

Noir Paris Paris has long served as a vital intellectual and cultural crossroads, particularly for Black thinkers, artists, and activists from Africa and the diaspora. While the broader "Black Parisian" narrative is often focused on the Francophone world (such as Senegal or the Caribbean), the presence and historical influence of Benin, Nigeria, and Kenya are marked by distinct pathways of diplomacy, artistic exchange, and intellectual engagement.   ​The Historical and Cultural Landscape ​Benin and France: The connection is deeply rooted in colonial history and contemporary restitution efforts. The Kingdom of Benin (in modern-day Nigeria) is historically significant to European intellectual history because the arrival of its complex bronze sculptures in Europe—including Paris—fundamentally challenged early 20th-century Western perceptions of African art. In recent years, Paris has become a central site for the "heritage cooperation" movement, with the French governm...

  Bridging Communities and Digital Frameworks: Sharing Our Work on the Global Stage I am working on how what I do and my involvements fit into the broader, global conversation about the global digital future; community-led initiatives, documentation, and local projects; it is vital that rural areas are a part of collective knowledge of our world. ​Recently, I attended the UN Digital Open Source: Ai and Emerging Technogies Conference. I attended it virtually for three days. I found out about the Digital Cooperation Portal, a central hub managed by the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET) that tracks global progress toward the Global Digital Compact . This portal is designed to map how initiatives focus—on digital literacy, digital access, and bridging information gaps—align with international goals. ​For community workers below is how to ensure your work is seen within these global frameworks. ​ Why Engage with Global Frameworks? ​The UN Digital Cooperation Po...

Offline Digital Solutions for the Sahel  ​In the Sahel region of Senegal, mobile phones are common, but high-speed internet is often expensive or unreliable. Instead of waiting for widespread infrastructure, organizations are using offline-first technologies to bring vital resources directly to rural communities. By storing information on local hardware, communities can access vast amounts of knowledge without needing a connection to the global internet. ​ Here are the primary tools currently being used to bridge this gap: ​Internet-in-a-Box (IIAB): This system uses a small, low-power device—such as a Raspberry Pi—that acts as a local server, broadcasting its own Wi-Fi signal. When users connect, they gain instant, free access to curated libraries, Wikipedia, and educational videos. This is particularly effective for schools or community centers where many people can access the content simultaneously. ​Nano-Servers (such as the Ideas Cube): These are portable, rugged devices that c...

The Great Sleepy-I am Awake Game ​Ten-month-old Babe Lamine has a secret, A game that he likes to play. He doesn’t always need toys or colorful blocks, To brighten up the day. ​He sits on his mattress, big and soft, Where he likes to wiggle and hop. But then, he does something playful — He drops his head to pretend to sleepy. ​Nod… nod… down goes his chin. His eyes start to flutter and close. He’s drifting off to a quiet place, ​But it’s not for naps, and it’s not for dreams, It’s a game he plays. He’s found the magical space in-between, A "Sleepy- I am Awake Game" he plays! ​He’s playing his version of Peek-a-Boo, But using his eyes and head instead of his hands. He hides in a pretend nap, In his own little sleepy-time space. ​Then—POP!—his eyes  open, He’s awake with a happy grin! He loves to hear his mommy laugh, And let the game begin again. ​Is he tired? Is he sleepy? No! He’s just playing a game and having fun. In French Baby Lamine Le Grand Jeu du « Je dors… Je suis ré...

  The Cost of the "Floor": Defusing the Monologue Trap ​In professional and community forums, a subtle but damaging dynamic has become increasingly common: the "weaponized monologue." This occurs when a participant delivers an exhaustive, one-sided presentation and then demands the "right to finish," framing any attempt at inquiry or dialogue as a rude interruption. ​This behavior effectively turns the social contract of politeness into a tool for dominance, silencing others and stalling progress. To foster environments where genuine, two-way exchange thrives, we must shift our tactics from passive endurance to active, supportive intervention. ​Reclaiming the Conversation ​When a speaker insists on finishing a long-winded point despite having already monopolized the group’s time, they are often using the fear of being "disruptive" to protect their airtime. Here is how to regain the conversation’s balance without escalating tension: ​ Refram...

The Lost Art of Conversation: Moving Beyond the Monologue ​In many professional, academic, and public forums today, a troubling trend has emerged: the degradation of true dialogue. What should be a reciprocal exchange of ideas frequently devolves into a series of disconnected monologues. Participants often enter these spaces prepared to defend a pre-constructed narrative, leading to environments where the goal is performance rather than understanding, and where attempts to interject or interpret are met with hostility. ​When a conversation loses its two-way dynamic, the potential for shared knowledge or collaborative innovation vanishes. To reclaim the space for genuine exchange, we must actively shift our approach from competitive posturing to collaborative inquiry. ​ From Persuasion to Inquiry ​The most common barrier to conversation is the "waiting to speak" phenomenon, where participants use the time someone else is talking to formulate their next rebuttal. To disrupt thi...

Documenting the Diaspora: A Guide to Meaningful Conversations in Paris ​As we prepare to travel to Paris to document the vibrant intellectual and creative life of the African Diaspora, approaching interviews with intention will be key to capturing stories of joy, agency, and community. By moving beyond common, superficial narratives, we can engage in dialogues that honor the long-standing legacy of Black creators in France. ​ Establishing Authentic Connections ​In French cultural contexts, beginning with a warm, formal greeting is essential for establishing rapport and showing respect. ​ Initiate with Curiosity : Frame the mission by expressing a sincere interest in their personal "mapping" of the city. You might ask, "Bonjour! I am visiting Paris to document the living history of the African Diaspora. May I ask what drew you to this part of the city, or if there is a place here that feels like 'home' to you?" ​ Prioritize Joy : To steer clear of the negativ...

  WikiExplorers Interactive Session: The Treasure in Your Attic ​ Facilitator : Ms. Rivers Participants : WikiExplorers Youth Group ​Session Goal ​To empower young explorers to see themselves as digital archivists who can rescue "lost history" from family collections and contribute it to the global knowledge commons. ​Part 1: The "What If?" Scenario (Icebreaker) ​ The Hook : Ms. Rivers shares the story of the lost paintings in Berkeley and the forgotten letter from a WWII grave digger. ​ Discussion Prompt : "If you were cleaning out an attic and found a dusty box, how would you know if it's trash or a piece of history?". ​ Key Concept : Introduce the term "Contextual Blindness"—the idea that we often don't realize the value of a document until we take the time to research it. ​Part 2: The Archive Workshop (Hands-on Activity) ​ The Mission : Explorers work in pairs to apply the "Archival Literacy" method t...

  ​Storage Full-on your cell phone; A Simple Fix The dreaded "Storage Full" notification. It’s  frustrating to have to stop what you're doing and, deleting photos, videos, or apps just to make room for more photos. ​You don't have to keep depleting the easiest solution is to get an external flash drive . An External Drive ​They are small portable storage units that plug right into your phone's charging port. They are a game changer for anyone taking a lot of photos using their cell phones. ​ You'll save money: Unlike those monthly cloud storage fees, you just buy the drive once and it’s yours for good. ​ Move files easily: You can quickly shift files between your phone, tablet, and computer whenever you want. ​If something ever happens to your phone, having your photos backed up on a physical drive gives an extra layer of security. ​How to Pick the Right One ​When you’re browsing for a drive, look for what’s called a "Dual" d...

  ​Stop Deleting! The Easy Fix for Full Phone Storage ​Do you constantly get that dreaded "Storage Full" notification right when you're trying to capture a perfect moment? You aren't alone. For many of us, our phones are our primary cameras, and high-resolution photos and videos fill up our storage in no time. ​Instead of spending your day deleting precious memories or struggling to choose which apps to uninstall, there is a simple, affordable solution: External Flash Drives. ​Why External Storage is a Game Changer ​External flash drives for mobile devices are small, portable, and plug directly into your phone's charging port. They act just like a USB drive for a computer, allowing you to instantly offload photos, videos, and documents to free up space. ​ No Cloud Fees : Unlike monthly cloud storage subscriptions, you buy the drive once and own it forever. ​ True Portability : You can move files between your phone, tablet, and computer easily. ...

  United Nations Open Source Week - 2026 The recent United Nations Open Source Week underscored a profound shift in how international bodies and national governments view digital infrastructure. No longer merely a technical choice, Open Source has emerged as a cornerstone of digital sovereignty, trust, and public service resilience. ​The Shift Toward Digital Sovereignty ​At the heart of the dialogue is the question of who owns the systems that underpin modern society. For too long, governments have been locked into proprietary dependencies that limit their ability to adapt to local contexts. Digital sovereignty is defined here not as isolationism, but as the agency to control, shape, and maintain the digital environments upon which public services rely. ​Whether in Tanzania’s pursuit of "citizen-first" infrastructure or Ireland’s cross-government collaborations, the objective is the same: to reduce technical debt and ensure that digital investments serve the public good ...

  The Future is Open: Why Governments are Betting on Open Source ​Have you ever wondered who actually owns the technology that runs your country’s public services? From banking systems to digital ID wallets, the software that keeps society moving is often hidden behind closed doors. ​But a major shift is happening. During the recent UN Open Source Week , experts, policymakers, and technologists came together to discuss a new path forward: a world where digital infrastructure is built, shared, and controlled as a "global common." ​Here is what you need to know about why this matters. ​1. Reclaiming Digital Sovereignty ​For years, many governments have relied on proprietary software, creating "vendor lock-in." If the company providing that software decides to change their terms or raise their prices, the government is often stuck. ​ Digital sovereignty isn’t about being isolationist. It’s about agency. It means governments have the power to control, adapt, and...

Global implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) The global implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is transforming how nations deliver services, moving from siloed, fragmented departments toward unified, citizen-centric ecosystems. ​ Building a Sustainable Foundation ​For DPI to succeed, it must be built on the pillars of data sovereignty and data primacy, which ensure individuals maintain control over their own information. To ensure long-term viability, implementation should prioritize open-source principles to avoid vendor lock-in and encourage international cooperation. Furthermore, security measures—such as robust cybersecurity and continuous human oversight—must be integrated into the architecture from the outset rather than treated as secondary considerations. ​ Prioritizing Children in the Digital Age ​A significant challenge in current DPI initiatives is that children are frequently omitted from the design phase. Failing to tailor systems to th...

  Bridging the Digital Divide: Key Insights from UN Open Source Week 2026 ​The global conversation surrounding digital transformation has shifted. As highlighted during the recent UN Open Source Week, the focus is no longer just on getting online ; it is about building resilient, trustworthy, and inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) . ​For governments, developers, and international organizations, the mandate is clear: we must move beyond high-level policy and focus on the practical, human-centric implementation of technology. ​The New Rules of Digital Infrastructure ​The event underscored a fundamental shift in how we approach nation-scale digital projects. Moving forward, successful DPI relies on three pillars: ​ Trust as Architecture: Trust cannot be an afterthought. It must be "embedded" directly into the code and governance frameworks. By building with safeguards-by-design , nations can ensure privacy and security are non-negotiable foundations of their di...

Bridging Policy and Practice: Highlights from UN Open Source Week 2026 ​NEW YORK — As UN Open Source Week 2026 concluded this week at the United Nations Headquarters, the global discourse shifted from high-level digital policy to the tangible, practical realities of implementing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) at scale. ​Held from June 22 to 26, the forum brought together Member States, technical experts, and civil society to explore how open-source collaboration can accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fulfill the vision of the Global Digital Compact. ​DPI Day: From Commitment to Implementation ​Wednesday’s "DPI Day" served as a centerpiece for the week, focusing on the "how" of digital transformation. A critical takeaway was that for DPI to effectively support digital economies and citizen needs, it must move beyond fragmented pilot programs toward sovereign, scalable, and interoperable systems. ​Discussions emphasized that different countri...

The Paris Exile: Chester Himes and the Hardboiled Transformation ​In the 1950s, Paris became a refuge for African American writers seeking to escape the stifling racial atmosphere of the United States. Among this community of expatriates—which included giants such as Richard Wright and James Baldwin—was Chester Himes (1909–1984), a writer whose journey through the city would prove both harrowing and career-defining. ​From Hardship to Genre-Defining Success ​Upon his arrival in Paris in 1953, Himes faced severe financial instability. His early life in the United States had been marked by significant adversity, including seven and a half years of imprisonment in the Ohio Penitentiary starting in 1928, where he first began his writing career. This history of struggle followed him to France, where his initial years were characterized by extreme scarcity; it is well-documented that he lived in such poverty that he would sometimes scavenge for food near the banks of the Seine. ​However, a pi...

  Discovering Pan-African Paris: African Student Organizations, Cultural Institutions, and Diaspora Networks When many people think of Paris, they imagine the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the cafés of the Left Bank. Yet another Paris exists—one shaped by African students, intellectuals, artists, entrepreneurs, and activists whose contributions have helped make the city one of the most important centers of African and Black diaspora culture outside the African continent. For more than a century, Paris has been a meeting place for African, Caribbean, and African American thinkers. It was here that writers and intellectuals helped develop the Négritude movement, where Pan-African ideas flourished, and where generations of students from across Africa gathered to exchange ideas and envision new futures. Today, Paris remains home to a vibrant network of African student organizations, cultural institutions, and Pan-African associations. The Legacy of African Students in Paris Throughout ...