Open Data Kosovo Successful Stories Part Two

Tech4Policy an EU-funded Project implemented by Open Data Kosovo in partnership with Girls Coding Kosova has brought an enormous impact in Kosovo. A project that empowered young women to design digital solutions to improve and strengthen Kosovo municipalities while promoting employability in the high-potential ICT sector. Project outputs: (250) trained women; (4) digital solutions, and (10) Municipalities. The upcoming 3 women, winners of the Project and part of the incubation phase will show their journey in ODK through their inspirational stories.

My name is Blerina Shkodra. I study Computer Science and Engineering at the University for Business and Technology. My hobbies include a lot but what I practice the most are hiking and online gaming.

With Open Data Kosovo I have been familiar with for a long time, considering that I’ve been part of the projects offered by this organization, specifically, in Techstitution. Given the wonderful experiences I have gained from the previous training, expectations for this project have also been great.

The wonderful team of ODK every day and more helps me to create new experiences that affect my professionalism.

The ideas of the ODK’s preliminary projects as well as the idea of the current project in the Tech4Policy project also show the way of access and contribution to society through the emergence of public information for the general public.

Every day and more I find out how much I love technology and programming, and a part of the thanks goes to ODK for the challenges that it offers us every day.

I am Brikena Ahmeti, a highly ambitious programmer who seeks to learn everyday more about programming. You can also see me as a java geek who isn’t too fond of promoting herself. Besides programming I like to design, watch TV shows, play basketball etc.

Three years ago, I attended a Techstitution workshop, through which I got to meet the wonderful staff at Open Data Kosovo, and decided to engage more on the activities ODK provides for its citizens. As a programmer, I find ODK activities as highly influential and educational for my field of interest, and that triggered me to join the several activities and workshops.

My journey in Open Data Kosovo started three years ago and will continue for as long as my input is needed for the betterment of my society. Finding digital solutions is always a challenge, a growing one which I’m highly keen on.

This project has made me grow, by contributing in me being a creative thinker, fast worker, and digital solution seeker.

Through the Tech4Policy Project, I have tried to give the best of me by assisting on whatever was needed, and tried to give creative ideas, so that the solutions we establish are as creative as they are user friendly.

Ultimately, I want to conclude this story of mine through a quote I find the most inspiring,

“That’s the thing about people who think they hate computers. What they really hate is lousy programmers.”

I’m Brikenda, studying Computer Engineering at the University of Prishtina. In my free time, I like hiking, , running, or reading books. I’m a curious and proactive person. I like both data science & engineering.

I know about Open Data Kosovo since the first year at uni. The experiences of colleagues at ODK have been the reason why I applied for the Tech4Policy project. They told me that there is a wonderful working atmosphere, challenge in every field and good company, so that’s what I’m experiencing…

We have the support of each member of ODK and therefore working hard, I believe that we will achieve a digital solution for the best of our country.

It’s my first real project, a super challenge, but day by day I’m realizing that I am really preparing for the tech industry. While working here, I have understood that I have the right profession, but all that is required from me is unrestrained will and desire.

Lastly, I would like to conclude my story with a quote, “When there’s that moment of ‘Wow, I’m not really sure I can do this,’ and you push through those moments, that’s when you have a breakthrough.”

At least “Everything happens for a GOOD reason”.