The alternative is to use the KHouse computer lab for money generating applications. Doing so risks diverting the staff's attention to non-KHouse related activities. Eventually, it may force them to reduce KHouse opening hours.

Preferred partners

The following types of organizations already have some flow of income related to their basic activity. Incorporating a KHouse in their operations promises to increase their productivity, and produce better results. If experiences gained over the three years confirm this promise, then the activity is likely to continue.

• Schools
• Teacher colleges/universities
• Organizations working with street kids
• Organizations working with other groups of kids and youth (like kids recovering from cancer, kids suffering from the Down syndrom)
• The children department at a hospital

How much will it cost?

By year 4, important investments have been done. Computers, software, furniture, and an Internet infrastructure is in place. Staff and teachers are trained. They are experienced in international cooperation on the Internet. Students have published a range of material on the net that may be reviewed by sponsors, peers, parents, and recommenders with a potential impact on the organization's funding success.
As of year 4, the following items need to be covered:

1. KHouse staff payroll, - unless other staff can take over the activitity, or KHouse staff can be hired to continue the work, supported by volunteers.

   The language area coordinator function is usually a Kidlink volunteer task. Often, he or she is a teacher, who sees personal and professional value in being exposed to experiences of peers around the world, and being part of Kidlink's support network. The coordinator often has a staff of volunteer helpers.

2. While a commercial organization would say that all computers in the KHouse should be replaced by year 4, those funding KHouse operations may be able to delay the decision. Technically, the computers may be used for many years more.

   The Internet will no doubt have changed over the years, resulting in more emphasize on multi-media. However, experience has shown that many people and organizations decide to stick with old, cheaper technology. It seems reasonable to expect that the kids would be able to continue use email in the same, old way, and web-by-email services (continuously becoming stronger) to view the web's contents.

3. Rental of space for the computer lab, electricity. Often, this is of less concern when our partner is a school, college, or university.
4. Maintenace and insurance of computers and equipment.
5. Internet connection/phones.

   Communication costs may be reduced by changing the way kids use Kidlink. For example, by focusing on email rather than web browsing (including use of web-by-email services), the number of connect hours by month may be considerably reduced.

6. Supplies. Costs my be reduced by making kids and moderators read on screen rather than on paper, etc.