Mercy Corps and Thoughtworks today announced a partnership to develop new software solutions to improve the breadth, impact, and efficiency of Mercy Corps’ work
The global humanitarian organization Mercy Corps and the custom software experts Thoughtworks today announced a partnership to develop new software solutions to improve the breadth, impact, and efficiency of Mercy Corps’ work.
“Thoughtworks is a highly technical company with a strong social conscience,” says Andy Dwonch, Sr. Director of Social Innovations for Mercy Corps. “We’ve been partnering on projects for two years already and thanks to this new global agreement, our teams will be able to tap into Thoughtworks’ deep expertise to design and deliver technology-enabled solutions that expand our capacity to do great work.”
Mercy Corps and Thoughtworks first began working together in June 2011 on a program in Kenya called ‘Yes Youth Can!’. Thoughtworkers developed the SMS and social media platform to link thousands of youth groups across Kenya, promoting peace and youth civic engagement. Together the two organizations applied a variety of technologies to promote and speed the process of formalizing land titles across Bolivia, Colombia, and Guatemala in Mercy Corps’Red Tierras initiative. Most recently, as part of Mercy Corps’ Middle East digital economy programming, Thoughtworks conducted a technology entrepreneurship ecosystem assessment, and coached aspiring young entrepreneurs in Palestine and Iraq in launching Internet and mobile businesses.
Through its Social Impact Program, Thoughtworks will provide Mercy Corps with pro bono and discounted support for evaluating opportunities, and designing and implementing multi-platform information and communications technology initiatives.
“We look to partner with organizations with innovative ideas for using technology to advance their humanitarian missions and change lives,” says Jeff Wishnie, Director of Thoughtworks’ Social Impact Program. “Mercy Corps has a long history of creative thinking when it comes to tackling some of the world’s toughest problems, and we’re eager to join them in this effort.”
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps helps people turn the crises they confront into the opportunities they deserve. Driven by local needs, our programs provide communities in the world’s toughest places with the tools and support they need to transform their own lives. Our worldwide team in 40 countries is improving the lives of 19 million people. For more information, see mercycorps.org.