Project Description
This project was involved in connecting technology volunteers from developed countries with small businesses in Ghana.

Project Objectives
It aimed to help the small business community of Accra to grow by providing them with online expertise from developed nations.

Intended Beneficiaries
The small and medium businessmen benefited from this project, as it helped satisfy their need for ICT expertise.

Partners Involved
Financed by USAID until June 2003, it is currently looking for other sponsors. It was implemented by Geekcorps International.

Impact: Costs and Benefits
About fourteen companies were selected and technical assistance was provided to them. Skilled technical assistance was provided to them for a period of about four months during which the skills were transferred to some of the company employees.

Lessons Learned
It was found that there is sometimes a delay in project implementation due to existing professional responsibilities of a volunteer. Working with multiple counterparts evens out the workload.

Constraints/Challenges
One of the major challenges facing the Geekcorps project has been employee turnover. Many employees often opt for higher paying jobs after being trained.

Sustainability Factors
Geekcorps is entirely dependent on external funding. There have been questions about its long-term sustainability.

Recommendations
In order to achieve sustainability, it is recommended that a constant revenue stream be generated.

Project or Related URLs:

http://www.bridges.org/iicd_casestudies/geekcorps/index.html

http://www.geekcorps.org