“It was while studying at Kolanya Girls High School that I discovered my happy place to be, the computer laboratory. The room literally calmed my inner child, and after self-assessment, I realized computer operations were part of me,” shared Ann with laughter in her voice.
Ambitious is the one word that best describes Ann Nyawino, who will be proceeding to her third year of study at KCA University, Nairobi in September, 2023.
Ann is pursuing Bachelors of Science in Applied Computing, whose disciplines include Software engineering, IT security, Networking. Data integration, Operating system management and current programming languages and technology. Ann also studies graphic applications as a unit and uses the knowledge to design posters and costumes for her theatre and drama club.
Ann believes that being raised together with her two older brothers toughened her greatly as she tried to mimic whatever the siblings did for her to fit in the play group.
Constant repairs on broken old radios greatly influenced her to develop interest in computers and when she was older to notice her elder brother ailing, the interest escalated, it being a longing that could only be quenched by working with computers to invent a technology that could heal him.
Most of the family’s finances were being spent on her brother’s treatment and even though Ann had performed impressively in her primary exit exams (KCPE), she almost failed to join high school due to lack of school fees.
Through a family friend, Ann was able to get educational support from United Kenya Rising that saw her through high school and into university where she is pursuing her dream course after scoring a spectacular grade, A-.
Ann describes campus life as very busy, with her engagement in the demanding course and also the co-curricula’s of music, dance and drama.
“UKR’s support keeps me going. I love the course I’m pursuing because whereas words and numbers can be manipulated to solve undeserving issues such as fraud, the problems with computers are solved in a distinctive manner, with an overall goal of identifying and applying repeating principles,” she explains.
Ann is attentively attending all her classes with hopes to graduate while still young so that she can start her lifelong mission, using ICT to help the health sector. She intends to participate in developing a standard system where the database is in order and services are easily accessible for quality and safe treatments.
“I need to accomplish this so as to find treatment for my brother who suffers from cerebral palsy, a disorder of movement and posture which is due to an abnormal brain development,” she explains.
Ann is certain that if she finds the right team to assist her in facilitating social and collaborative digital learning and interacting platforms for medical practitioners, there will be great improvement on patient outcomes, contextualized care would be applied where it’s needed and there will be improved facts on evidence-based medicine, to eliminate trial treatments.
“I am positive with my thoughts because the recent technological treatments my brother has been undergoing such as occupational therapy has proved to be of help, but I feel like if we impact more technology in neuro treatment, permanent cure can be achieved,” she determinedly shares.
New technologies for socializing also fascinate the nineteen years old and she looks up to Ellon Musk as a mentor in the IT field.
“If I had a solid platform to communicate with Ellon Musk. I would not hesitate to tell him how his social media platforms are informing, entertaining and educating masses, helping to eradicate illiteracy. I’d love to be an influencer just like him,” says Ann.
Other than being academically smart, Ann is talented in music and dance and has choreographed several dancing styles and also sang several covers. She is also an active member of the university’s drama and theatre club, and has participated in the recent Kenyan national drama festivals at Shanzu Technical Training College in Mombasa.
She is proud to have scripted the play; “I See You [ ICU]” which is a comedy play that has taken the club to the top participation level, nationals. Drama, music and dance help her unwind after study.
As Ann uses computers to explore her mind to come up with solutions to digitalize most systems and help to reduce paperwork for precise information. She’d also like to venture into software development and create job opportunities in future, as a way of giving back to the society.
