University Programs for ICT In Emerging Markets?

Since I began my research and subsequent move to Uganda, I’ve found a vast disparity in the amount of higher education available in the area of information technology as it relates to developing countries, NGOs, non-profits or developmental institutions. It think the implicit need for focus in this area is high as the discipline is essentially the same but the practice of IT changes significantly when ‘in the field’ or in low power areas.

It’s unfortunate because my colleagues in the tech industry see an obvious correlation and though some have a desire to ‘help’ there isn’t a lot of opportunity to acquire ‘field work’ working as something like a system admin in a developing country. It seems, the only way to get that kind of experience is to have a prior background in computers while also pursuing study in some field related to developing countries or public health. Or perhaps if an individual is hired by a company looking for an ‘IT’ person but they end up becoming the company’s sole tech Renaissance man: managing the website, sending out newsletters, setting up servers and troubleshooting Outlook…. In other words, instead of being trained for the field, people are being trained to adapt, which is inherently good but it doesn’t necessarily breed IT people ‘passionate’ about what they might be doing.

To some, it seems as if the reason most non-profits and NGOs don’t embrace technology as whole-heatedly as they might is because donors don’t support such programs. Until that community embraces this idea, I fear it will be left out of the College and University systems. That said, I think the passion from the people working in these organizations exists but there’s a substantial disconnect between these workers and the governing boards that control operations.

I’d love to hear from undergrads, MPH, PHD or other students who can tell me otherwise. Are there existing programs related to things like Information & Communications Technology, Software Development and Data Collection/Visualization in Developing Countries? Do you feel your school is taking a lead in this area? Any ideas for programs?

If so let me know so I can link to them….