ODC Participated in TechCamp Phnom Penh
Greg Bem and Penhleak Chan
On September 25-26, ODC representatives Penhleak Chan and Greg Bem attended TechCamp Phnom Penh at the Royal University of Phnom Penh’s Cambodia-Korea Cooperation Center. Part think tank and part networking party, TechCamp brought minds from all sectors to work together and discover solutions to combat human-trafficking. From the anti-trafficking NGO Chab Dai to the US Embassy, from gaming studios to mappers, from digital storytellers to financial investigators, the hats worn were varied. In addition to professionals, a large population of students participated in the conference.
As one of the technologists/trainers of the anti-trafficking-themed conference, the ODC team shared its unique perspective on the value of open data and open government as an innovative technological solution to the challenges in question. In a marathon of five minute introductions during an activity called “Speed Geeking,” Penhleak summarized the capabilities of ODC with the TechCamp participants. Using the resources currently provided on the ODC website as examples, ODC stressed the importance of unbiased, objective data aggregation, which is provided free, for everyone.
Throughout the first day, longer workshop sessions provided small group the opportunity to more-thoroughly understand the potential use of the involved organization. The ODC conducted two interactive training sessions and facilitated one workshop, guiding participants on how they might better use ODC tools to solve research issues, including the challenge of human trafficking. ODC also introduced participants to the Open Knowledge Foundation’s resources on Open Data and other inspiring initiatives.
ODC and WikiMedia assisting institutional participants in crafting a tech solution
The second day of TechCamp brought participants into 14 working groups. Each working group was tasked with composing a challenge statement to create a technological solution to combat human trafficking, and then collaborate to identify and visualize the solution. Each had six hours to present their final product resulting from the knowledge of the first day’s workshops. The ODC served as a technological facilitator for a working group composed of ten individuals from various anti-trafficking organizations and institutions. ODC and involved parties worked to design a solution to open up data and information on services provided to trafficked victims using contemporary technologies.The platform upon which the working group agreed utilizes a semi-crowdsourcing approach for upscaling the Freedom Registry, combining interactive maps and offline useability for grassroots workers. As the work put into the brainstorming proved inspirational, the will continue to be explored post-conference by participating organizations and individuals in the future. Events like TechCamp bring together the technological savvy with those knowledgeable in social issues and human rights, creating an environment conducive to innovation and creativity. ODC’s alignment to opening up relevant data for research and dialogue on Cambodia’s development trends, at both individual and organizational levels, through open data found and will continue to find a home in events like these. Other workshop facilitators and technologist included: The Asia Foundation, BBC Media Action, Blue Lady Blogger, Chab Dai, Change Fusion, Direxplay Entertainment, Frontline SMS, Geeks In Cambodia, Google Map Maker in Cambodia, House 32, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, InSTEED iLab, Invest2Inovate, Liberty Asia, Marie Stopes International, MTV Exit, Open Dream, Open Institute, CGNET Swara, Osja Studio, Save the Children, Sithi.org,The Guardian Project, US Embassy, USAID, Ushahidi, and WikiMedia. Penhleak Chan is the Research and Volunteer Coordinator for ODC. Greg Bem is the Library and Information Management Intern. You can learn more about ODC at www.opendevcam.net, and more about TechCamp at www.techcampphnompenh.wordpress.com. Photos from the TechCamp Phnom Penh can be viewed here and here.
