Omar Salameh, IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Activities Committee
In a recent collaboration between the IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Activates Committee (HuAC) and the IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board (HTB), a highly informative online workshop titled “Crafting Persuasive HTB/SIGHT Project Proposals” was conducted. This workshop aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills to develop compelling project proposals that effectively address community challenges. The committee was honoured to host Mr Lwanga Herbert, the IEEE HTB 2023 Chair, as the main speaker. Mr Lwanga Herbert, an influential figure within the IEEE community, brought forth his extensive experience in addressing community challenges through innovation. With support from the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, he has patented several innovations and implemented various humanitarian projects and programs in Uganda with the assistance of IEEE.
The workshop encompassed several key elements that contributed to its success. It commenced with Mr Theodoros Chatzinikolaou, the IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Activities Chair, introducing the committee and its objectives. Participants gained insights into the diverse programs and initiatives offered to volunteers throughout the region, along with the opportunities available to support SIGHT Groups. Next, Mr Lwanga Herbert provided an indepth introduction to the IEEE HTB committee. He highlighted the various programs and initiatives implemented by the committee to support volunteers engaged in humanitarian activities. By sharing compelling examples, he showcased the transformative power of technological innovation in addressing humanitarian challenges. To further enhance participants’ understanding, Mr Mohamed Essaaidi, the IEEE SIGHT Chair, delivered a comprehensive briefing on SIGHT. Attendees gained valuable insights into the role of SIGHT as a platform for fostering technological innovation dedicated to humanitarian purposes.
The highlight of the workshop was Mr Lwanga Herbert’s presentation on crafting persuasive HTB/SIGHT project proposals. He provided participants with a detailed understanding of the essential components to include in their proposals and cautioned against potential pitfalls to avoid. Furthermore, he shared valuable resources to facilitate a better comprehension of the evaluation criteria and offered guidance on developing outstanding project proposals. The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to seek clarification on specific topics and engage in meaningful discussions with the presenters.
With a remarkable turnout of 35 individuals representing 17 sections, the workshop attracted participants from diverse backgrounds. Notably, 10 SIGHT Groups were also represented, highlighting the significant interest and commitment to advancing humanitarian projects and initiatives. The workshop played a crucial role in the SIGHT Groups Coordination Workshops initiative, which provides guidance and support to SIGHT Groups in overcoming operational and organizational challenges. By ensuring the optimal functioning of these groups, the initiative aims to facilitate the achievement of the committee’s goals and objectives.
Originally published on IEEE Region 8 News September 2023 issue.