This is a social enterprise based in central kenya, that provides data back up services to institutions, produces computer designed wall hangings, offers a range of training programs to clients who range from organisations, the community and social groups.

DATCO PROGRAMS & SERVICES

1. DATA BACK UP SERVICES

Over the last 20 years, there has been a steady progression of community based institutions such as schools, hospitals and private ventures. Many of the said institutions do not have ICT infrastructure neither do they have computer trained personel. They therefore risk losing their vital data incase of eventualities such as fire or burglary. DATCO started data backing up services in the year 2005, where we have been able to serve seven schools & a local church owned water project. After necessary arrangements are made with the institution, DATCO collects, analyses, records and stores the data in both manually(filing) and electronically using database programs such as Ms access. The service is relatively new and we hope to get more clients as in the future. This service is provided at fee which has an annual subscription depending on the nature and magnitude of data.

(B) GRAPHICS & ARTWORK

DATCO produces computer-designed wall hangings. This is achieved by designing, then printing the writings using the computer programs such as adobe pagemaker. The writings (in form of hard copy print outs) are later mounted on marbles & tables. These are later sold as wall hangings after necessary finishing touches have been applied. Our wall hangings came in various sizes and prices. They are later sold in retail outlets such as bookshops and supermarket. We also offer typeset and printing services.

© PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM

Over the last two years, DATCO has organised over 15 training programs where more than 600 people in the rural areas of central Kenya, have had a chance to meet, talk and learn from various experts and professionals such as agricultural officers. The three major areas of training are:

i. Agriculture

ii. Economic development

iii. HIV & AIDS

DATCO has a contact directory of professional in the fields mentioned above. When a client needs training in any of the services, DATCO hires and engages the professionals on contract or casual basis. The training is carried out in the field or in our multipurpose centre. In other words, DATCO sits as the interface between the proffesionals (trainers) and trainees. This program has enabled the local populace gain knowledge and therefore develop both socially and economically. Under our training program, DATCO has set up an Elimu (education) center. At this center our instructor carries out training on basic computer skills on full time basis. This center also doubles up as our main office of operation. The center has a program coordinator who is in charge of DATCO’s daily affairs.

PROGRAMME TEAM

DATCO has a program team that includes:

v A project coordinator: The project coordinator runs & manages the daily affairs of the project.

v Community leader/representative: he/she represents the community in policy making and also promotes the program within the community. He is normally a church leader or a civic leader.

v Others: they include our staff, and outside advisors. They help in defining objectives.

Vision

We envision a vibrant organisation that will be nationally and internationally identified with excellent goods and services. In addition provide quality lifelong learning opportunities at moderate economic means without compromising the quality. DATCO through its vision 2015 also has the following objectives & goals:

· Develop a customised software that can be used by the local institutions to manage their data

· Increase the number of trainees by 10% annually

· Enhance access to information by the local community by acquiring internet connectivity

· Add three additional computers after every nine months.

· Facilitate entrepreneural skills for increasesd wealth creation and improved livelyhoods.

· Integrate innovative thinking with computer technology.

· Create awareness on social problems such as HIV & AIDS & drug abuse

· Support and promote community based programmes…

DATCO has successfully set up an Elimu center (education center) that is providing the local populace especially the youth with round the clock ICT training. The center is staffed with two employees and training is done at a fee. In conjunction with the local church DATCO is training ten former street children in making of wall hangings .

ICT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ORGANIATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Information communication technology has contributed to our objectives in the following ways :

§ Communication between DATCO and her clients has been made more efficient especially the professionals hired by the firm

§ DATCO uses computers to design our posters & banners. This helps to advertise our services to the people

§ ICT has enabled us to stay in touch with the rest of the world through the internet

One special impact is using the computer to design wall hangings & epitaphs. This has in turn increased production and quality. This method is more efficient than the traditional method of manually painting on marbles.

We have successifully teamed up with organisations such as schools, churches and social groups to offer our services. For example, we do take our mobile training program to school on a semi permanent basis. This is where DATCO gets payment for its computers and other hardware equipment. With this arrangement, the school or the institution meets other related expense such as paying saralies for our instructors , electricity(since training is within their buildings) or any maitenace/repair costs that may arise within that time. This program is only available to secondary schools and does not exceed three months.we have also developed a training program for all social groups leaders so that they could in turn pass the skills learned to its members. 

DATCO is a social enterprise based in central part of Kenya which is helping the community gain access to information at affordable rates. We have partnered with other community-based organisations and institutions to other training programs such as agricultural based and social education. We have also been using computers to help institution such as schools manage their electronically and at the same time provide them with back up. ICT has been of great use in our whole project since it has been our tool of communication and also a source of revenue. Designing wall hangings using computers have made production of wall hangings easier and also professional. We are currently running an ICT training center, which is meeting the needs of the local population.