KOPERNIK
Kopernik connects innovative technologies, poor communities & you.
 
Welcome to our special wedding page on the Kopernik website. Some of you have asked us what we would like for a wedding present. The answer to that question is contained on this page. We figure we don't really need a new toaster or crockery set, but know there are many people in Timor-Leste whose lives can be dramatically improved if they have access to the simple but smart technology solutions contained on this page. The projects are focused on the Timorese enclave of Oecusse, a beautiful, quiet place surrounded by Indonesia. Take a look and feel free to choose a project that interests you, and keep an eye on the website so you can see how the project is going. We really appreciate your contribution and your thoughts and wishes for us on our special day. Suzanne and Gordon's Wedding Gift PackageHere's how it works:
If you have any questions, please send us a message:
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Relieve the burden of carrying water for the women of Oecusse, Timor-LesteIn Timor-Leste many families live very far from a water source. Women and girls are tasked with collecting and carrying water for daily household use over very long distances sometimes more than six times per day. They currently carry the water in 5 litre plastic jerry-cans. This is a huge physical and time burden on the women. By contributing to this project you will help get the Q-Drum, a rollable water container into the hands of the women of Oecusse. 
About the Q-DrumThe Q-Drum is a durable, donut shaped plastic container which when full holds 50 litres of water. The idea of the Q Drum originated in response to the needs of rural people in developing countries who have a problem carrying adequate quantities of potable water from a reliable source. A burden which is generally bestowed on the women and children of each community. Many debilitating back and neck injuries are a result of women carrying heavy loads on their heads. 
Give a brighter future
Electricity is sporadic at best in the enclave of Oecusse, and that's only for those that are connected to the grid. Most of the population does not have access to a regular power source and use kerosene for lighting - a dirty, dangerous and expensive fuel, spending on average $16 per month per household on kerosene supplies. The Kiran S11 solar lights will provide clean, effective and cheap lighting for 300 families. About the Kiran S11The Kiran is the world's most affordable high-quality solar LED lantern, and is a bright and durable replacement for kerosene lanterns. It provides even space lighting for the home, workplace, or on the go. It can function as a general light source or serve as a primary task light. With an integrated solar panel and multiple-setting handle, the Kiran is extremely flexible and convenient to use. 
Computers for Beonsila CooperativaBeonsila Cooperativa is a local organization in Oecusse that provides capacity building support to community groups in the enclave. Beonsila Cooperativa also supports marketing efforts of local produce. In order to do it's work effectively and provide training to local groups, the organization is in need of computers for their office. 
About N-ComputingNComputing virtual desktops share the excess power of standard PCs and make computing simple and affordable. Organizations save money by sharing the cost of a single PC among multiple users. And users feel like they each have their own PC while they simultaneously share common applications—including web browsers, e-mail, office suites, and multimedia. Every user has their own keyboard, screen, settings, applications, and data files, so their experience is just like it would be if they were working at an independent PC. |
About Oecusse
Oecusse is an enclave of Timor-Leste, separated from the rest of the country by Indonesian West Timor. It has a population of about 67,000. 45% of the population live below the national poverty line. Transport to and from and within Oecusse is limited and the cost of basic goods in Oecusse is higher than Dili. The population is young, with an average age of 22, and faces a number of growing challenges. Oecusse has a high unemployment rate, close to 50%. It has among the highest fertility rates in the world, and a struggling economy. It has a lack of functional infrastructure which impairs the trade necessary for a largely agricultural economy to flourish. Less than 1% of the Oecusse population have access to electricity. The lack of light / cost to provide it restricts income generating activities, as well as study and community/household activities. Because of the lack of infrastructure, most households need to access a pump or a well to get water.
About Kopernik
Kopernik is an on-line marketplace for life-changing technology, providing one-stop shopping, and capital, for inventions that transform the lives of the poor.
Here's how it works:
- A local non-government organization (NGO) browses thekopernik.org website to see which inventions could benefit their community. The NGO submits a proposal to Kopernik – for solar lanterns to light up a village, for water purification devices to be distributed at a children's clinic, for Q-Drums to transport water easily…
- Kopernik vets the organization and posts the project on its website.
- Individuals and corporations 'crowd-fund' particular projects that appeal to them.
- The local organization provides reports on progress and feedback on what works and what does not, thereby improving the technology.