Cliff McIntosh uses his software development skills for social good through Code for Nepal

10 Nov 2018 - Shrijana Khanal

Photo: Cliff McIntosh

Code for Nepal is made by volunteers. We believe everyone can contribute. If you would like to join Code for Nepal, contact us.

Read about Cliff McIntosh, a member of Code for Nepal who leads the development of NepalMap, a web app that puts Nepal’s data at your fingertips.

_Who are you and tell us how/where did you grow up?
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I am Cliff McIntosh. I grew up in west Texas in the U.S. These days, I live in Chicago and work as a software developer.

_How did you become involved with Code for Nepal?
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I have had an interest in Nepal from the time that I was a Peace Corps volunteer teaching English in Dadeldhura district. I was looking for a volunteer opportunity and answered a call for volunteers on the Code for Nepal website. Ravi Nepal asked if I would be interested in helping launch a tool that makes census and other data available. That’s how I became involved with Code for Nepal and our NepalMap project.

_Code for Nepal is a volunteer-run organization, many of the volunteers have daytime jobs outside of Code for Nepal. Therefore, where is your passion and dedication for this organization derived from?
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I want to be able to use my software development skills for social good. Working with Code for Nepal on the NepalMap project allows me to do that.

**What is your role in Code for Nepal? Do you see yourself changing this role anytime in the future?**

I am a developer on the NepalMap project. Amit Chaudhary and I worked closely with other Code for Nepal team members and volunteers to launch the first version of the project. I am the team member who serves as the primary resource for working with the Wazimap framework that we use for NepalMap. I hope to continue to serve as a developer with NepalMap, but I would also like to have the opportunity to mentor other developers so that responsibility and skills can be shared.

How is Code for Nepal different or special from other non-profits?
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Code for Nepal is different because it allows us to get involved by using our technical skills to serve a social good.