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I decided to live there permanently and thus expand the organisation. Over the years tangible results of the Trust's efforts began to emerge and more people got involved. Links were set up with donors in Europe. all of whom were willing to assist this developing nation.

RJ: Give me a sense of the kinds of things the Trust has done up to now.

SW: We've provided medical equipment and two ventilators for the intensive care unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital. We link with UNESCO clubs and the President's Award Scheme in the skills training of young people.

We provide typewriters. sewing machines and computers for schools. We get tools for villages and skill centres. And we've built a 3-classroom nursery school and toilet block.

RJ: What gave you the idea of developing an Internet café for the blind?

SW: Several years ago. Captain Saine. who lost his sight after a car accident in 1993. joined us as President. lust before visiting the UK in October 2005.1 read an article in VSJ about a computer program for the blind.

A Symantec employee had just offered us £500 from a sponsored bike ride and the company had agreed to match his donation. Having seen a demonstration of the Guide program at the RN1B. 1 decided to buy it from Software Express.

On my return I asked Captain Saine to come and try it out. What happened was unbelievable. Within two hours he was typing a document and even sending email for the first time in his life.

He said. This will make my life independent. 1 will not need my children to read my letters and other documents. It would be marvellous if other blind people could have this opportunity."

RJ: What soils of difficulties did you meet in doing so?

SW Mostly it was about negotiating services and accommodation. At the time, I was on a wireless connection.

I discussed with my ISP the possibility of extending this to three computers that could be used for the blind and visually impaired. They said if we offered a completely free service, they would give us free access until the end of 2006.

I also did a deal with my landlord who agreed to waive rent on the building provided we built him a shop as pan of the complex. Building was started on 19 December. and being a Muslim country we had 12 people working over Christmas and the New Year.

I travelled back la the UK during February. with the building already finished, so I could buy the equipment. The goods were shipped by air and arrived at the Internet cafe within two days.

RJ: What kinds of technologies have you employed to make Internet

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