The first Dotnet(.Net) Meetup 2023 in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Title:

Description:

The inaugural event, The First Dotnet(.Net) Meetup 2023 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, will be organized on November 17,2023 in Kinshasa, the capital city of the democratic Republic of Congo. It's a significant step towards cultivating an active .Net community in a region where it has been notably scarce. The purpose of this meetup is to focus on outreach aimed at bringing together software developers, enthusiasts, students, researchers and IT professionals with a shared interest in .Net technologies. By targeting a broad audience, including students, working professionals, and local tech entrepreneurs, we hope to bridge the existing gap in the DRC's tech ecosystem.

The lack of a .Net community in the Democratic Republic of Congo has long been a hurdle for the country's technological advancement. Embracing .Net can empower local developers with versatile tools and frameworks, enabling them to create innovative solutions and contribute to global tech trends. The outreach efforts will emphasize the importance of collaborative learning, knowledge sharing, and mentorship within the .Net ecosystem. By fostering this community, we aim to empower the youth and professionals in the DRC with the skills and resources they need to excel in the ever-evolving world of technology, ultimately contributing to socio-economic growth and prosperity in the region. This event represents a critical first step towards building a strong foundation for a sustainable .Net community that will positively impact the future of tech in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Measure of impact:

We plan to have 80 participants in the event with a strong outreach campaign to reach a larger audience of people. To effectively promote our program to the local community and engage a broader audience in the Democratic Republic of Congo, we will implement a comprehensive outreach strategy before, during, and after the .NET event. This outreach plan encompasses various channels, including:

Media Presence: We will utilize traditional media such as TV, radio, and newspapers to create awareness about the event. This multi-pronged approach ensures that our message reaches diverse segments of the population.

Social Media Engagement: We recognize the power of social media in today's digital age. Therefore, we will maintain a strong presence on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and various tech-focused blogs. These channels enable us to share event updates, engage with the community, and provide valuable content related to .NET technologies.

Face-to-Face Interactions: In addition to online efforts, we understand the importance of personal connections. Face-to-face events and public relations activities will be organized to establish a direct connection with local communities, organizations, and potential attendees. This approach humanizes our outreach and builds trust.

Participation in IT Events: To augment our presence in the tech landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo, we will actively participate in major IT events and conferences. This not only enhances our visibility but also allows us to network with like-minded individuals and organizations.

By combining these outreach methods, we aim to create a multi-faceted, dynamic campaign that resonates with a wide audience, generates excitement, and fosters a sense of community engagement and collaboration in the lead-up to, during, and after the .NET event in the DRCongo.

Requested Budget: $1500

Promotion and Marketing: $500 Venue : $400 Food and beverages : $300 Materials/Equipment : $300

Size of the Committee Requested:

10 volunteers_

Which Goal and Priority is this project aligned with:

This project aligns with multiple goals and priorities in the the broader context of community development and education. Some goals and priorities aligned with this project are :

Community Building: Community development is a key priority for this project. It seeks to create a supportive and collaborative environment where like-minded individuals can connect, share knowledge, and work together on projects or initiatives.

Tech Community Development: The project is aligned with the goal of fostering and strengthening the tech community in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It aims to build a vibrant .Net community, connecting developers, enthusiasts, and IT professionals with a shared interest in .Net technologies.

Skills Development and Education: It aligns with the priority of enhancing education and skills development. The project empowers attendees by providing them with knowledge and skills related to .Net.

How will we know this outreach is successful?

The success of this outreach initiative should be evaluated based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators, with a focus on the event's ability to make a positive, lasting impact on the .Net community and the tech ecosystem in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some key indicators that can help evaluated the success of this project are :

Attendance and Engagement: A high turnout and active participation in the event are strong indicators of success. If the number of attendees meets or exceeds expectations and they actively engage in discussions and activities, it is a positive sign.

Satisfaction of Participants: we will conduct post-event surveys to gather feedback from participants. If the majority of respondents express satisfaction with the event, its content, and organization, it indicates a successful outreach effort.

Knowledge and Skill Enhancement: we will measure the increase in knowledge and skills among participants. We can assess this through pre- and post-event assessments, or feedback on what participants have learned.

Community Growth: we evaluate the growth of the .Net community in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This can be measured by the number of new connections, online community members, and participants who continue to engage with the community after the event.

Long-Term Impact: we will track the long-term impact by following up with participants months after the event. If they are still actively engaged in the tech community, utilizing their skills, and contributing to local tech initiatives, it demonstrates a sustained positive impact.

The Team

The leadership of this project will be entrusted to the Digital Security Group, a distinguished programming organization based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in collaboration with the Developer Association of the DRC. The project team is a talented ensemble of professionals, each bringing a unique skill set and experience:

Mr. Narcisse Mbunzama serves as the project lead, holding a Master's degree in computer science from Orebro University. His academic background and expertise in the field provide a solid foundation for steering the project to success.

Ms. Lucie Rushimande, equipped with a Master's degree in computer science from the University of Kinshasa, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. Her academic achievements and practical insights will be invaluable in ensuring the project's effectiveness.

Mr. Jean Remy Mayamba, a vital member of the team, holds a Bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Kinshasa. His foundational education in the field, coupled with his dedication, will play a crucial role in the project's execution.

Mr. Glody Ndombasi, with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the Institut des Techniques Appliquées, offers a unique perspective and skill set that can contribute significantly to the project's multidisciplinary approach.

Together, this team forms a cohesive unit with the collective expertise needed to drive the project's success and make a meaningful impact in the Democratic Republic of Congo's tech community

dotnet-foundation / wg-outreach