What is Asia Source II?
Asia Source II is a eight day gathering to be held in January 2007 that will bring together nearly 100 NGO and SME information and technology support professionals working at the local level across South Asia and South East Asia. Asia Source II will provide participants with a range of practical and hands-on sessions aimed at increasing the use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) amonst the NGO and SME in the region. The intention is to move beyond conceptual discussions of the benefits of FOSS into practical skillsharing between those working with NGOs.

What are the topics?
During the eight days, participants will be challenged to both share their skills and learn from others. Sessions will take the form of structured and formalised sessions.

Four main tracks will run through the event, participants will be asked to choose a more structured main track to follow through the morning sessions, but will be free to select from a range of peer-to-peer learning and skillshare sessions in the afternoons. The themes are:

• Open Publishing and Broadcasting
  
• Alternative Hardware and Access
  
• FOSS Implementation and Migration
• Information Management
  

Please see the agenda section of the website for more information.

What is the working language?
English. As this event involves small group work and one-on-one sessions we regret that we are unable to provide multi-language or translation support.

Who should attend?
This is an event for experienced professionals actively working with the SME or NGO sector in South Asian and South East Asian countries. We are interested in all kinds of NGO, SME and technical experience. Areas of focus that are particularly relevant include (but are not essential);

• Localisation and multi-language projects
• The use of technology within monitoring or campaigning projects
• The use of technology for organising and collaborating
• Audio/video, streaming media and community radio
• Innovative use of technology within rural and remote areas
  
• Experience deploying FOSS operating systems or applications

Demonstrating that you have worked on projects in one or more of the above areas will make your application stronger.

All participants at Asia Source II are required to be proficient desktop users of computers, have been involved in at least one NGO or SME technology project before and to have an existing awareness of the concept of Free and Open Source Software.

Applications from women are highly encouraged by the event organisers.

When will it be?
Asia Source will take place from January 22nd to January 30th, 2005. You must be present for the entire event, this means arriving the day before and leaving the day after.

Where will it be and what is the venue like?
The venue is Yawitra near Sukabumi. Yawitra is a popular outboard learning venue and has been intentionally chosen for its simple facilities and camp style atmosphere.

Asia Source II is a community building event - in the spirit of free and open source software - participants will be expected to contribute to activities and the running of the event. Participants will sleep in simple dormitory accommodations, have large group lunches and dinners, and have access to a range of training, plenary, discussion and relaxation areas.  The organisers will set up 4 labs and a bazaar on site. Each lab will be a hub of computers with internet connection. It will be open inbetween sessons and during the evening. Participants can use this space for a range of activites such as testing out tools, working one-on-one or accessing the internet. The Bazaar will be a tented area, furnished with matts, cushions and rolls. It will be used for evening gatherings, informal discussions and sessions during the day, as well as serving tea and refreshments.

This is an on-site training within a closed community, participants will be expected to stay at Yawitra for the duration of the event. Accommodation will be provided dormitory style, please be prepared for sharing rooms and bathrooms with fellow participants.

Please see the section on venue on the website for more details.

What should I know about the accommodations?
All participants at Asia Source II are required to stay on-campus. Accommodation will be provided dormitory style, so please be prepared to share rooms and bathrooms with fellow participants. Bedding will be provided, however you should bring your own towel.

There will be separate accommodations for men and women. If you have any special needs in this regard please do let us know in advance.

Please see the section on venue on the website for more details.

Who is organising and supporting it
The organisers are International Open Source Network, Tactical Technology Collective, InWEnt, ICT Watch, Yayasan AirPutih and Aspiration Tech. Supporters include Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany (BMZ), Humanist Institute for Cooperation with Developing Countries, Asia Pacific Development Information Network - United Nations Development Network and International Development Research Centre, Canada. The event is guided by an advisory board of established NGO, SME and FOSS professionals from across the South and South East Asian region.

How do I apply for Asia Source II and when will I know if I am attending?

• Please read all of the information about the workshop
• Please send the application to asiasource2@iosn.net. The deadline for sending applications is November 19th, 2006;
• We will confirm receipt of the application immediately and will ask you to check and reserve (if you do not have to pay for this) your flight to Jakarta, Indonesia. We will also ask people who need visas to check how they can apply for it. Please also check that you have a valid health insurance.
• As we have limited space and funds, we cannot accept all of participants and cannot reimburse the expenses for all of them. Between the 5th of November and 20th of December 2006 we will personally inform each applicant by email if we are able to invite him/her and reimburse expenses;
• We will assist all invited participants who need visas in getting them, and we will send invitation letters to them immediately after confirmation of attendance. The event organisers can not apply for nor organise visas for participants.
• If participants are to be granted reimbursements we will transfer money after the workshop to an agreed account. We will reimburse only expenses that are confirmed with us before the workshop in writing. Reimbursement will be based on the receipts that we receive from participants at the event.

What should I know about the cost of the meeting (travel costs, participation fee, etc.)?
You will arrange for your own travel to Jakarta, Indonesia. This may be reimbursed if it has been agreed in writing prior to arrival at the event, you should apply for a travel subsidy with the application form. There is a participation fee of US$ 75 that covers accommodation, all meals and transportation form/to airport. Participation fee and travel subsidies will be available for participants who would not otherwise be able to attend the meeting. You will have to apply for this within the application form. Three meals per day will be provided to you throughout the event, if you would like extra food, beverages etc. please bring your own personal money with you.

How can I get to Jakarta?
There are many flight options for how to get to Jakarta. Please check with your local agent or on the internet to find a cheap and convenient route. We will meet you at the airport in Jakarta and bring you to the venue. But you will have to inform us of the exact date and time you will arrive and depart from the airport (including the flight number).

Where can I find the Indonesian visa information?
Six month multiple-entry visas are now issued to most nationals regardless of whether you intend staying that long or are re-entering the country. Most Indian embassies and consulates won't issue a visa to enter India unless you hold an onward or return ticket. Be careful to check whether your visa is valid from the date of entry or the date of issue. If you need an invitation letter to apply for a visa please let us know immediately on confirmation of your attendance at the event and we will supply you with one.

Who should I contact about my special needs during the event?
Please write to asiasource2@iosn.net before the event detailing any special needs you may have during the event (including dietary needs and requirements) and we will do our very best to meet them.

What is the local currency?
Indonesian money is Rupiah (Rp) = 100 sen. Notes are in denominations of Rp100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 1000, 500 and 100. Coins are in denominations of Rp 1000, 500, 100, 50 and 25. According to xe.com/ucc 1 USD is equal to Rp 9,201. However rates may differ from exchange agents and banks so please check the latest rates. Traveller's cheques are not generally accepted so please bring USD, Euros or Japanese Yen. Please handle your foreign currency carefully as exchange agents are finicky and give lower exchange rates for creased and damaged notes.

Will I have access to telephone?
There will be telephone access at Yawitra camp office. Some of the organizers will also be carrying mobile phones. We could share this numbers with you in case of emergency.

Do I have to come for the whole time?
Yes. It means that you should plan your trip to arrive in Jakarta on or before January 21st  2007 and leave on or after 31st.

What should I bring along with me?
Towels, clothes, warm sweater and jacket, sleep wear, mosquito repellent, flashlight, basic writing tools. Extra supply of your medicine incase you misplace some. Medical insurance is strongly recommended.

What should I not bring?
Uninvited participants, pets, bad attitudes.

Can I bring my own computer to camp?
Yes. You are very welcome to bring your own laptop / computer to camp.