Things to Consider when Developing an Application for a Developing or Middle Income Country

On December 1, Random Hacks of Kindness in collaboration with the Peace Corps held an event called "Peace Corps Innovation Challenge." Volunteers from around the world submitted ideas and concepts that they felt could improve the lives of people in their community or other volunteers. Ideas and concepts were submitted prior to the event and reviewed by Peace Corps Staff, NGO's, current volunteers, returned volunteers, and technical experts. The best ideas and concepts were submitted to members of Random Hacks of Kindness in order for them to develop the ideas during a hackathon on December 1. 

My alma mater, Rochester Institute of Technology, participated in the event. The event was well received and was attended by Sean Herron, a member of NASA’s Open Government team, and Rob Bishop, a developer with the Raspberry Pi Foundation . During December 1, which is also World AIDS Day, I live tweeted some tips to consider when developing an application for third world or middle income countries. I hope those who saw the tips found them helpful. I have listed them below for future programmers:

Things to Consider when Developing an Application for a Developing or Middle Income Country

1. If your creating an app that stores a lot of data. Make sure it saves often. Electricity may be an issue
2. Internet Speeds vary within countries. Make sure your app can run with little to no Internet
3. Remember your users and make sure your app is user friendly
4. Please consider that getting access to a phone may be easier then a computer.
5. If your creating an app for a global audience please consider people with disabilities  Note: Section 508 is a good reference concerning Tip 5
6. Good Documentation can be just as important then the app itself
7. Make sure English is a national language in that country. If not consider translating some of the texts or providing that option

Learn more about the Peace Corps Innovation Challenge at: http://innovationchallenge.peacecorps.gov/

Happy Hacking :D

June 15 - TeachAIDS Day

This past Friday was TeachAIDS Day in Botswana. TeachAIDS is an interactive flash animation that teaches kids about HIV/AIDS. It is a non-profit organization that produces HIV/AIDS related material that utilizes local norms and analogies. I especially enjoy knowing that this tool utilized local celebrity voices for the characters in the video. The tool also went as far as ensuring characters accurately reflected the Batswana (the people of Botswana) in terms of looks and mannerisms. On an overall, It is a great tool and I have been using it since we were presented the tool during our In-Service Training. 

On TeachAIDS Day we were all tasked with the goal of presenting TeachAIDS to the community. I collaborated with two volunteers to present TeachAIDS at a primary school, and to health workers in a nearby village. On an overall, the day went smoothly, we had all the necessary tools and resources (transportation, speakers, laptop, and projector) to present the tool in the community. Here are some photo's from that day:

Mia introducing the video and the PCV Volunteers who came to visit

The kids watching TeachAIDS in the school's cafeteria

Diana asking some discussion questions after the video

Learn more about TeachAIDS at: www.teachaids.org
Check out YouTube video clips of TeachAIDS at: www.youtube.com/user/TeachAIDS  

The Internet

Happy New Year Everyone, I thought I start the New Year with a tech related post.

-Finda

I was always taught to be mindful and remember people who have slow internet connections, but it seems that mentality has gone our the door for many companies.

It is sad, but it provides many opportunities to those who are mindful of their users. Facebook is a great example of providing the same internet experience anywhere you go. While I may struggle to access my email, Facebook is probably the most accessible site since I have been here.

While I may encounter some soft errors, the overall functionality is still there. The interface is still the same and I am able to upload photo’s faster then I can on my blog.

As developing countries become more connected via internet, companies need to be mindful of internet speeds. Success comes when you can accommodate a variety of audiences.

I'm Invited!!!!

Photo of me once receiving my package

Oh my GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!! My invitation is finally here. I woke up at 8am in the morning and drove my dog and myself to UPS. My mind was racing on the potential places I could go, and the various things that I could potentially do. Once I returned home, I made breakfast. Yes, I made breakfast, I was hungry :D. I waited 2yrs for an invitation, a couple of minutes wouldn't hurt.

Finally, once Charlie (my dog) and myself were fed, I opened the package.

BOTSWANA!!!!!!!! BOTSWANA, BOTSWANA, BOTSWANA (I like saying the name). I will be going to BOTSWANA to work as a District Community Liaison. I am so thankful for my placement and I can't wait to start. But until I leave for staging, I have a huge list of things to do.

 It took me 2yrs. Yes, 2yrs to get into the Peace Corps. Coming this far is bitter sweet. I look forward to my upcoming journey. Until then, I need to prepare.