Growing up I always had the intrigue to learn how computers can change the lives of people and the desire to actually make it a reality. Together with my colleagues we pitched the idea of what is today called Cultural Waves Uganda, a small grassroots organization that has reached girls that would otherwise drop out with the option of attending formal schools. Cultural Waves currently runs digital libraries, in two community centre, that act as education resources for those not able to go to school. The information provided is customized to suite the local population; this includes health and entrepreneurship information. A visit to the centres creates a networking environment for the girls, through these networks they are able to be inspired and motivated, inspiring breakthroughs in their lives.

Cultural Waves has become a stronger organization. Working in a multilateral organization during my fellowship this year has given me better skills in documentation. I’ve created user manuals, and learned about IT policies that protect an organization’s information. I have also been exposed to making social media more formal and having all these activities documented, through a newsletter shared with the public, a model I will use in making Cultural Waves a more efficient organization.

My mind has been nurtured with thoughts on reproductive health and quality maternal health results. Daily interactions with my co-fellow and other fellows in the working group of IT has given me the opportunity to tap in to a network of young minds passionate about health (from the IT world branded “nerds”) making the marriage of IT and maternal health a possible reality. This discussion continues as it shapes Cultural Waves in being more relevant, reaching 110 women and girls, with a total of 220 in school and 100 school drop outs. The ripple effects impact of my time as a Global Health Corps fellow this year will bring women to the center of Cultural Waves when designing programs.

Mwebale (Thank you) GHC.

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