By Milica Njezic

Wartburg College senior Yvonne Ayesiga has been named a 2013 Dell Social Innovation Challenge Ambassador to promote ideas aimed at solving some of the world’s most pressing problems.

Ayesiga, a Davis World College Scholar from Uganda, was chosen by the Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. She is majoring in international relations and political science and minoring in history and intercultural studies.

The program, sponsored by Dell computers, selects a small group of ambassadors to play an active role in shaping the social innovation community on their campus.

“Students submit their projects in areas of sustainability, health, education, technology and many others and get support for implementation of those projects,” Ayesiga said. “Every time DSIC announces a new program, my job is to inform my fellow students and faculty about it and see if they have ideas so they can engage in DISC projects.”

DSIC projects are open to every student, regardless of major or country of origin. If approved, a project is eligible for funding to start it. Since DISC was launched in 2007, it has awarded more than $450,000 to more than 50 student teams worldwide.

“Ayesiga said Moses Santino, a Wartburg senior and Davis Scholar from South Sudan, applied for a DSIC grant last year to construct biogas digesters in his homeland. Biogas is a renewable fuel produced by the breakdown of organic matter, such as animal waste. It can be used for producing electricity, heating, fertilizer and motor vehicle fuel.”

Last year Santino and Ayesiga also got a $10,000 Davis Projects for Peace grant to improve conditions for girls’ education in South Sudan. They also formed the campus organization “WE IMPACT,” working with other students to improve society.

“Moses is pretty much the mastermind of everything,” Ayesiga said. “I am trying to contribute to ideas as much as I can and so should other students who have the same ambitions.”

Those seeking more information about DSIC, WE IMPACT or how to contribute to social change can contact Ayesiga at yvonne.ayesiga@wartburg.edu.

“Coming from Uganda, a poor country, it’s a big deal for me when you make an impact on something,” Ayesiga said. “I think if people have the heart and time to dedicate to help others, there are many opportunities to do so, and DSIC is one of them.”