HimynameisTheresa. I’m an RPCV working for a web development and technology consulting non-profit in Cotonou, Benin. And when I say “working for a non-profit,” what I really mean is “running and managing a tech start-up in in the developing world with my best friend and future husband.” It’s an adventure, a dream, and a nightmare all at once.
I earned my B.A. in Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park, where I’d tooled around with several majors, including Computer Science (useful) and French (very useful). I promptly joined the Peace Corps and was whisked away to a two-year adventure in Cotonou.
Two years isn’t nearly as much time as it sounds like. Just barely enough to get my feet wet, fall in love, work for a failed project, teach some university classes, and discover that there’s a whole lot of interesting stuff that two year’s isn’t nearly enough time to finish.
So I stuck around, and now Bertrand and I are having the time of our lives getting this project off the ground.
Our goal is to make technology more accessible to small and medium sized businesses. We set out to change the way the IT services sector, and specifically web development, works here. People Online’s motto is “Getting Benin Online” (La mise en ligne du Bénin), and
so far, it’s working.
I make websites. I also do a lot of book keeping, managing freelancers, and keeping the business side of the non-profit running smoothly. Mostly, I work with Wordpress. I’m a fan girl, which is embarrassing (for a web application? who falls in love with a web application?!?!). And I like to play.
July 16th, 2005 at 8:14 am
Thanks for your information! It sounds like the same schedule as my son Benjamin. Tell him hello if you see him over then!
July 21st, 2005 at 11:15 am
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July 21st, 2005 at 11:39 am
Comment goes here. ///THANKS for sharing your first experiences in Benin. Our grandson, Ben Hubbard is there, too, and we are eager to hear from him. I wish you the best and certainly admire what you are willing to do. Celia Mitchell
August 15th, 2005 at 11:29 am
I’m currently stationed just 40 mins South of Marrakech. Welcome back! Once all is settled, we should try to meet some of the new volunteers there in Marrakech. In the meantime, I can be reached via my website… http://www.griffinmorocco.blogspot.com