Since it began in 2003 Tactical Tech has created a methodology for training technology to non-profits and developing the skill-base of the sector through its Source Events. In 2006, Tactical Tech launched a website outlining this methodology and providing templates for replicating and hosting these events. You can visit this site at;

• replication wiki

Six 'Source' events have been held to date, bringing together over 700 regional advocates and non-profit technologists, these events were:

• Summer Source, Croatia, September 2003
• Africa Source I, Namibia, March 2004
• Africa Source II, Uganda, January 2006
• Asia Source I, India, January 2005
• Asia Source II, Indonesia, January 2007
• FOSS Road, Tajikistan, September 2005

What is a Source Event?

Source events are workshops designed to create hands-on opportunities for practical learning and exchange between those working at the implementation and support level in the non-profit sector. Sessions on the practical side range from skill building around setting up an 'open' NGO office and providing on-going maintenance and support, to specific 'screwdriver sessions' on alternative access, such as making wireless antennas or setting up thin-client open labs. Sessions on the conceptual side range from looking at the benefits and intricacies of localisation, to discussions about the challenges of FOSS implementation and advocacy.

By bringing together practitioners from across a given region for an intensive week long workshop we strive to create a pro-active space for skillsharing and peer learning. More specifically in bringing together those working with technology in the non-profit sector with those established in the free and open source sector, we tried to create opportunities to make essential connections. This connection is one that has often been made at the conceptual level (i.e. that free and open source software should be a logical solution and a fitting marriage with the non-profit sector) but in many cases the necessary practical ties have yet to be made.

Interaction and learning between regional events is equally becoming a crucial part of the Source events character. Tactical Tech sough to use these events as an opportunity to bring expertise and promote project model exchange from across different regions that face similar issues. In the future we will also endeavour to provide a platform post-events for on-going exchange between these 'Source' communities.

Ultimately, we see these workshops as a platform for exchange and community building, and an opportunity to advance the cause of civil society in transitional countries.

Style of the workshops

The workshops focuse on learning by doing, rather than by listening. We aime for a "workshop vibe" as opposed to a "conference vibe"; we hope that elements like the location (in the countryside or on an Island), shared housing, and the nature of the sessions keep the energy level high and the interest in active participation over passive learning strong. Source events, are intentionally designed to foster community building, this create an atmosphere conducive to learning, but more importantly is essential if longer term relationships are to be built.

The workshops are lead by a range of facilitators from the respective region with strong experience in deploying free and open source solutions and of working in the non-profit sector. They are joined by a handful of others with relevant experiences from developing and transition countries, such as Bulgaria, Brazil and India as well as a select number of leaders in from specific fields. Whilst there are specific invitations for facilitators, we expected both participants and facilitators to engage in exchange and skillshare throughout the sessions. Encouragement is given to experienced implementers to share their expertise, however less-technical participants are also encouraged to share their insider knowledge of the priorities and workings of non-profits. To balance-out the differences in expertise, space is always made in the schedule to try and meet the needs of the participants, either by running extra sessions on demand, or creating time for one-on-one learning.

Content

The events agendas are built around a few core themes; migration and adoption; alternative access, education and resource centres; information handling and advocacy; FLOSSophy; and localisation. The emphasis that each of these has given is then tailored to the specific region.

Topics are also added depending on the participants needs and relevant issues of the region. For example, during Asia Source, extra sessions were added on FOSS and disaster relief in relation to the recent Tsunami and a whole track was designed on free and open source video and audio for those working with community projects, independent media and advocacy groups.

Core learning is organised in to structured tracks that participants follow throughout the week, in the afternoons participants have the freedom to pick and choose from a range of sessions according to their interests.

Post-event activities

The focus on community building is a conscious move to encourage new ideas and relationships to form during events. It is our aim that the event should act as a catalyst for future projects and partnerships between participants and event partners. Experience from other Source events has demonstrated a high level of self organised post event follow-up and collaboration between participants. This has been ranged from a suite of FOSS projects in Tajikistan (four training events, a roundtable, a Tajik version of linux, a FOSS resource centre and now a regional Central Asian FOSS training and networking event is in planning) through to new partnerships between software developers, technical support groups and school networking organisations (this was the case in Uganda when three organisations collaborated to successfully set up 250 refurbished computers in schools, implementing a Norwegian educational distribution called Skolelinux).

Participants Reviews

Asia Source 2

The camp goes beyond the technicalities and philosophies of F/OSS. I've learned to respect and love people from all walks of life, different culture, different beliefs, but we are all the same in goal and aspirations in life. The camp gave me a bigger network - not technical but social. I've earned more than I expected from the camp. Thanks for the memories and it will never be forgotten.

Jerome S. Gotangco

Participating in Asia Source II opened my eyes on the real Open Source: its benefits, its advantages, and the changes it can bring people. I was even shocked to see that a lot of people are involved in Open Source advocacy. And I was very lucky and fortunate to meet such great, intelligent, genius people.

You guys made me realize the real Open Source...You made me meet very great people from all walks of life...You brought change into my life...(and im willing to go back anytime) Thank you very much...Mabuhay ang Asia Source II! Long Live FOSS! Long Live Asia Source! :-)

Carmela "Ela" Bona

Africa Source 2

I was part of Africa Source II, that was held in Kalangala early this year, Africa Source II was one of my most memorable experience and i do not regret being part of it.

Meeting so many people and sharing out ideas with the different guys freely was an experience that was worth not forgetting. There were lots of things to learn from the 'geeks' and people were willing to share out the knowledge freely.

I think Africa Source II was a super event and at the end of the day, going back home with lots of software as 'NGO in the box' was the best i ever experienced, to date i still use most of the material i got from the source camp and its amazing.

I believe the idea of source camps is amazing and people who go to them with lots of ambition get out there as changed people.

Evelyn Namara, Uganda.

Source events are beyond description, you would probably say it’s all you would need in one box.What makes this event different to me is simply "People” I wonder how they are chosen, its one out of a million events one would wish to attend. It’s a place where you learn everything at ago from how to open a bottle of bear with a mere paper to constructing a huge cheap network or may be building your own multi-million FM station with $30.

Nashon Onyalo

Arrica Source 1

The Source Camp programme continues to improve in ways that help the Campers learn the skills they need and perhaps more importantly to learn the confidence to ask questions, to learn from themselves, and to meet people who they can work with on their shared goals and passions.

I am changed - I have developed a lot of drive and confidence from my interaction with my campers, and am passionate about helping people learn to help themselves, and instilling the same passion in others.

Neil Blakey-Milner

Asia Source 1

It was the time that I found the true meaning of the spirit of Opensource and it's community. I learnt a lot and made some friends too :)

Simply short, thank you very much for inviting me into AsiaSource. Without you all, I won't be the way I am right now.

Fajar Priyanto

for more opinions and reviews please go to the http://replication.tacticaltech.org