New York University

Gallatin School of Individualized Study

Taylor Mork (BA ’04) first envisioned the DevelopNet Iganga project during a visit to Uganda in 2003.  While working alongside a local forum of community-based organizations (CBOs) in Inganga, one of the country’s most impoverished districts, he noticed that the community lacked sufficient communication technology.  He came up with the idea of establishing a self-sustaining Internet café and resource center, and after three years of work, the DevelopNet facilities are up and running in Inganga, creating a new world of opportunity for natives.

Setting his sights on global interaction, Mork became interested in studying abroad at the School for International Training while at NYU.  “Gallatin was quite supportive when I approached them with the possibility,” says Mork.  With the approval of his advisers, he enrolled in the SIT program in Geneva, Switzerland for the spring semester of 2003.  It was while Mork was studying in Geneva that he met representatives of a non-governmental organization (NGO) who gave him the opportunity to volunteer and perform research the following summer in Iganga. 

After raising enough funds for his trip with the support of former Congressman James E. Rogan and colleagues from past internships in New York, he traveled to Uganda in the summer of 2003, and began researching NGO management issues.  He found that in many cases, these development organizations needed better Internet access if their goals were ever to be achieved.  He contacted his friend and SIT classmate Jakob Ester and together they began constructing a model to bring aid to the area.  “Our aim was to assist Igangans in finding practical, realistic solutions to improving their livelihoods,” says Mork.

As he finished his Gallatin degree, Mork began fundraising for the project.  He teamed up with leaders inside Uganda as well as in the United States and Switzerland.  “We collected a surprising amount through generous newspaper readers, friends, and family,” says Mork.  SIT in Geneva set up a local fund for the project, while the Gallatin School offered two Dean’s Scholarships in support.  The Ugandan government also provided a grant that accounted for nearly half of the funding for the project.  

DevelopNet opened its doors in April 2005 with four guest computers and one host computer.  Currently, the Center provides computer skills and Internet training that target area teachers, development workers, and students.  It is completely self-sustaining, staffed by volunteer trainers who maintain the facilities.

After the Center was opened, Mork left Uganda to seek more funding for the project.  He is optimistic that he will raise enough money to expand the Ugandan facilities and construct a new building for the Center. He also hopes to take DevelopNet worldwide and establish resource centers in other impoverished areas.  “The DevelopNet model is one that could be applied almost anywhere around the world,” says Mork. 

Currently, Mork is working for Cal Safety Compliance Corporation in London, where he works with brands and retailers across Europe to manage social and ethical issues within their global supply chains.  Much of his time, however, is still spent fundraising, as he is dedicated to improving the project he started.  “The DevelopNet Center has a long way to go until we meet our final goals,” says Mork.