by Ali, 17
Embarking on my journey in the realm of activism, I took my first step on October 13th, 2021, during the Ada Lovelace Hackathon. It was my unwavering determination that drove me to participate in the hackathon and expand my understanding of this cutting-edge technology. Little did I know that it would be a life-changing experience, opening my eyes to the remarkable potential of AI in addressing global challenges, such as climate change — leading me to have a clearer vision and plans for my future, whether I was to continue doing my activism work, or altering my destination completely to a different field like business management. I was preparing myself for whatever I settled on in my future.
Ada Lovelace Hackathon 2021, Team Euphoria
Inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), my team and I (Euphoria Team) chose to focus on SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 15: Life on Land for our hackathon project, which we named SOS 113. Our vision was to develop a mobile app that could play a crucial role in preventing wildfires and mitigating their impact on local residents and the environment.
Wildfires pose a significant threat to coastal areas in Syria, occurring annually during late summer and wreaking havoc on forests, crops, farms, and people. According to the Global Forest Watch organization, in Syria, 420 hectares of land have burned so far in 2022. Moreover, these wildfires contribute to climate change by impeding the ability of forests and green areas to absorb carbon dioxide, a crucial greenhouse gas. However, addressing this problem requires substantial resources and concerted efforts. Firefighters and local authorities face challenges in detecting wildfires and providing timely assistance to affected communities. As such, we sought to create a solution that could help save lives, protect forests, and support local authorities in facing this critical issue head-on.
Our mobile app would utilize sensors strategically placed in high-risk areas prone to wildfires. These sensors will be linked to the app and a notification system that will instantly alert local authorities, residents, and firefighters about the outbreak of wildfires based on real-time data. The app would also provide guidance on safe roads to use and first aid instructions for those injured. Through this innovative application, we aspired to minimize the devastating effects of wildfires and bolster local efforts in prevention and management.
Participating in the Ada Lovelace Hackathon was a transformative experience for me. It not only allowed me to deepen my knowledge of AI, but it also honed my skills in business management, AI ethics, graphic design, and design thinking. As the leader of my team, I further developed my communication and leadership skills. Moreover, the hackathon provided me with an invaluable network of connections, as I co-founded an organization called “Seedlings of Youthful Hope” with UWC Mostar, bringing together mentors, coordinators, and participants from Ada Lovelace Hackathon. Throughout my organization, we were all able to continue exchanging knowledge and accelerate our skills by implementing our knowledge into purposeful work.
Ada Lovelace Hackathon 2022, Team Enigma
Buoyed by my incredible experience with the AI Club and Teens in AI during the Ada Lovelace Hackathon, in March 2022, I traveled to the capital, Damascus, to participate in the International Women’s Day hackathon with my team, Enigma Team. This national hackathon was a diverse and eye-opening experience, which led me to set my sights on international hackathons.
Moving Forward
Furthermore, the hackathon fueled my passion for environmental causes. I joined Guardians of Nature a global environmental movement with participants from over 40 nationalities and was quickly promoted to a leadership role after sharing my hackathon project with the founder.
As my journey progressed, I seized opportunities to participate in international hackathons with TH.0, The Experience Accelerator, and YOUNGO. These experiences expanded my global awareness, broadened my knowledge in diverse fields, and allowed me to contribute to the global community through my projects.
Later on, I invested all my experiences and poured my heart and soul into representing Syria as a mentor at one of the world’s largest hackathons, Hack for Earth at COP27.
It was an incredible honor to be the youngest mentor among 100 participants, guiding and mentoring 1864 teams from 124 countries. This experience not only allowed me to share my expertise and knowledge with fellow participants, but it also exposed me to diverse perspectives and innovative ideas from around the world. It was a truly enriching and inspiring experience that further fueled my passion for positive change.
Currently, I am expanding my knowledge through an online internship with The Experience Accelerator, a British company that focuses on improving the future of work by empowering professionals with mindsets. One of my responsibilities is organizing hackathons, which allows me to further develop my skills in project management, team coordination, and event planning.
It’s a fulfilling role that aligns perfectly with my passion for innovation and social impact. Through this internship, I am developing my skills and practices into more solution-oriented approaches, and I am willing to make more impact in a meaningful way in this capacity.
A Non-stopping Journey of Activism
In conclusion, my journey in the world of activism, ignited by the Ada Lovelace Hackathon, has been an incredible adventure of learning, growth, and impact. Through developing innovative solutions to global challenges, building meaningful connections, and volunteering with environmental movements, I have gained valuable skills and experiences that have shaped me into an advocate for positive change. I have learned the power of collaboration, the importance of perseverance, and the need for innovative solutions to tackle complex issues.
As I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for the opportunities and support that have come my way. Whether I choose to continue down this path or pursue other opportunities, I know that I have done a lot in my younger years and that every experience has been a boost for my work. I have learned the power of collaboration, perseverance, and innovative solutions to tackle complex issues, and I am excited to continue making a meaningful impact.
Moving forward, I am committed to continuing my activism work and leveraging my skills, knowledge, and network to make a meaningful impact. I will continue to participate in hackathons, collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations, and seek out opportunities to contribute to sustainable development and social justice initiatives. I will also strive to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and engage in community mobilization efforts to address these critical issues at the local, national, and global levels.
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