Being selected as a finalist for the DHIS2 Contribution Award at DAC2026 was an unexpected and encouraging experience. While I did not receive the award, I am grateful for the opportunity and would like to thank everyone who supported my work, as well as the organizers for recognizing contributors from across the community.
Reflecting on the journey, I would like to share a few lessons I have learned.
1. Consistency matters more than perfection
Many of my contributions began as simple tutorials and articles intended to help others get started with DHIS2. Small contributions made consistently over time can have a meaningful impact.
2. Sharing knowledge benefits everyone
Writing articles, creating videos, and answering questions have helped me learn just as much as they have helped others. Teaching has been one of the best ways to deepen my own understanding.
3. Start where you are
You do not need to be an expert to contribute. Some of the most valuable resources are those that help newcomers overcome challenges that you recently faced yourself.
4. Community makes a difference
The DHIS2 community has been welcoming and inspiring. Seeing the work of implementers, developers, trainers, and fellow contributors around the world continues to motivate me.
An unexpected highlight of this journey was receiving the DAC2026 Most Active on the CoP award certificate. I am grateful to the DHIS2 team for this recognition and, more importantly, for creating a space where people can learn from one another and contribute in different ways.
5. This is only the beginning
Being a finalist is not the end of the journey. I look forward to continuing to create tutorials, articles, and videos, and to finding more ways to support and learn from the community.
Congratulations to all the finalists and @mamuha for winning the 2026 Contribution awards, and thank you to everyone who contributes to making the DHIS2 community such a valuable place for learning and collaboration.
I am especially grateful to everyone who has read an article, watched a video, provided feedback, or interacted with my posts over the years. Your encouragement has made this journey even more meaningful.
If you are considering contributing to the community, I encourage you to start. Every article, video, answer, or shared experience has the potential to help someone else.
I look forward to continuing to learn and contribute alongside this amazing community.
DHIS2 CoP: Mayamiko
YouTube: @MayamikoZo
LinkedIn: Mayamiko Mendamenda
Medium: Mayamiko Mendamenda
Bluesky: @mayamikozo.bsky.social
Instagram: @mayamiko.zo