Tag Archives: ICT4D

The Toll of Ebola upon Communities

Posted on February 5, 2015 by N. Neelley Hicks

Ebola is hurting more than the body. It strikes at the chord of humanity that seeks to live as one usually does – touching those we care about. The role of the church is to continue to speak with an active voice…to amplify the voices of those who are least heard among the often shallow, meaningless voices of the day. Can we overcome? Continue reading →

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the light shines brightest…

Posted on June 4, 2014 by N. Neelley Hicks

This morning I had the chance to meet with a friend and her two children at United Methodist Communications about the difference solar power can make for parts of the world without electricity. Continue reading →

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A Different Kind of Poverty

Posted on April 18, 2014 by N. Neelley Hicks

Speech given at United Nations, InfoPoverty World Conference, April 11, 2014: It is a privilege to speak here today at the 14th InfoPoverty World Conference. My name is Neelley Hicks, and I am the Director of ICT4D Church Initiatives at … Continue reading →

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Reluctant Innovation

Posted on January 1, 2014 by N. Neelley Hicks

Ken Banks is the creator of FrontlineSMS – a software that is being used by The United Methodist Church to build communications in regions where the Internet and computers are lacking. Ken recently produced a book, “The Rise of the Reluctant Innovator” that is a great read for anyone seeking to solve the problems found in developing countries. Continue reading →

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One Response

Posted on November 19, 2013 by N. Neelley Hicks

As the traditional relief of food, clean water, shelter and medical care started pouring in, so have ICTs that power communications relief in connecting resources with needs and those who are hurting. United Methodist Communications is working with experienced relief groups who’ve responded in this way – NetHope, World Food Programme/Emergency Telecommunications Cluster – so the church can respond effectively to its communities – both in relief and recovery. Continue reading →

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Where in the world is…

Posted on October 18, 2013 by N. Neelley Hicks

A couple of years ago, I saw the Curry-Stone Design Prize video on FrontlineSMS that depicted women documenting their harassment in Egypt by map. I thought that if FrontlineSMS and Ushahidi could be used in that way, it could also be used on a larger scale by The United Methodist Church to pinpoint churches, hospitals, clinics, schools, universities and other ministries outside of the U.S. Continue reading →

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“You reached me where I was.”

Posted on August 3, 2013 by N. Neelley Hicks

Mobile phones seem to be everywhere in Africa, and they’re keeping people in touch with health, education, banking, and community empowerment. Continue reading →

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Infopoverty

Posted on July 22, 2013 by N. Neelley Hicks

It’s hard to believe I was really there…U.N. Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland. I went there for the follow up meeting to the Infopoverty World Conference that took place in March, and was asked to be one of the presenters. My goal was to show how United Methodist Communications is using affordable, accessible and appropriate technology to improve communications in the developing world. Continue reading →

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Posted on June 29, 2013 by N. Neelley Hicks

Most days I feel up to my neck in information…coming from all directions and from so many different kinds of media. But just as there are other disparities in the world in food, housing, money, etc., there is also disparity in access to information. Continue reading →

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I was the biggest failure!

Posted on June 12, 2013 by N. Neelley Hicks

So with all the failures in ICT4D, there’s also plenty of lessons learned. That’s why United Methodist Communications is working with global leaders to find what has worked for others. After all, the wheel is one piece of appropriate technology that really doesn’t need reinventing….no matter where you live. Continue reading →

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