Written by Abdel El Aoami

It was a longer than usual day in July when I received the email that I was accepted to work with rise. The day had become long as I had helped a friend move apartments and the last thing I wanted to do was more work, let alone check my email. Though what I needed was rest, my eagerness to get things done is what motivated me to catch up on what I may have missed, and I’m glad I did.

rise has developed quite the reputation for being the most impactful non profit when it comes to visualising real change, and knowing that there was only two spots for software developers, I knew my acceptance should become known immediately. To understand why I was eager to accept, I should explain what makes rise so special.

White school buildings with blue roofs in Lesotho

rise has accomplished much over the years. Most of their work can be summed up by aiding in the developing in healthcare, technical infrastructure, and adequate quality of life improvements. With knowing all of that, and knowing that there comes a time in every young professional’s life when they want their work to help progress change, partnering with a non profit such as rise would help provide the perfect medium for me to deliver my work. I was connected with a handful of local businesses and entrepreneurs to discuss all the infrastructure and technological issues that are presented to them on a daily basis and what solutions can be remedied, and specifically how I could help to remedy them.

After arriving to Lesotho, I’ve realised the mountainscapes alone were worth the travel, but experiencing the community was what should be noted. I was cheery to see their inherit willingness to support one another; a community with such focus and drive is quite the honor to work for. Being part of such team work made me sharper. As the saying goes, great minds think alike, but it’s more accurate to say that great minds think together.

Nursery school with painted tyres and mountains in Lesotho

After collaborating and completing my work, my perspective changed. I became more careful with resources, I became more mindful with expectations, I became more calculated with practicalities, and most importantly, I became someone who is more proud of their work and what I will continue to achieve. None of the lessons learnt or opportunities produced could have happened without rise, and for that, I thank them.