I am looking for a π sociotechnical internship in Africa (or elsewhere)
As an aspiring Social Hacker, I want using my coding skills for change in things that really matter to me. I believe that no issue is too big for the smallest technical solution to meaningfully impact a life.
What motivates me π₯
But this impact that technology can have, is not necessarily positive.
Everyday, we humans are using technology for manipulation and misleading of ourselves with disinformation and dark patterns. Day by day, we are entangling ourselves further into a worldwide web of problems.
Inequalities are increasing. Democracies are shrinking and the earth is heating up.
Blatant lies and empty promises have become the core of the tech industry's business model. Nobody asked for Blockchain or the Metaverse. People demand real solutions for real problems instead.
What I want to achieve π
So, when I say that I want technological innovation to solve our shared problems, then I mean every word of it.
For most of my life, I sought distraction in the newest gadget or latest video game. But I have come to the realization that this reality β the one when go you out the door β is the only one we have. And that you can only find real purpose if you try to improve this reality.
What I am looking for π
This is why I want to learn by experience how technology can have a real and positive impact on people's lives.
My guess is that is has everything to do with how you connect people with technology, which requires good leadership. I think that learning this, is about building up skills such as listening and building trust, in order to build strong relationships.
I would like to learn this is from others with this experience. And I would like to learn this in an environment that demands these skills, because there are real things at stake. It is a dynamic environemnt, where the unexpected is never far away.
To find such a place with such people I will focus on (non-)commercial organisations operating in the Global South, preferrably in Africa.
[ π Contact me ]
Things I can do πͺ
- Code. Creating digital products, like apps, websites or programs, or enhance existing ones, by coding.
- Adapt. Both technically and socially, I can easily analyze what I need to learn in order to function in a new situation. I see this as a personality trait, but I have also learned a lot thanks to the method of my school called '42'.
- Inspire. Connecting my peers to a common purpose by storytelling and building personal connections.
- Speak up. Calling bullsh*t on harmful systems or practices and pointing out opportunities on gradually improving them.
- Connect. Builiding constructive relationships with people around me and have attention to the environment around me.
- Transliterate. Being able to translate ideas into technical requirements, and to visualize the limitations and opportunities of realizing this idea.
- Express myself. Clearly conveying my ideas textually or orally, using creative forms of expression.
- Stay grounded. Be in touch with the lived experience of ordinary people, by being aware of how my privileges limit me.
[ π Contact me ]
Things I did π€
42 school projects π₯οΈ
'42' is a highly acclaimed coding school and is considered as the best alternative to university.
- ft_transcendence. With my team I will create a web application on which you can play the classic Pong game using different languages and frameworks. Planned for early June '24.β³
- Inception. I will set up a small infrastructure composed of different services under different rules. Planned for end April '24.β³
- C++ Modules. I will upgrade my knowledge of C and learn C++ in a matter of weeks. Planned for end March '24.β³
- webserv. With my team I will write a stable HTTP webserver in C++. Planned for mid March '24.β³
- NetPractice. I have set-up multiple virtual interlinked TCP/IP networks. Done 2 months ago.
- cub3d. With my partner I recreated Wolvenstein 3D by writing a raycasting algorithm. Done 3 months ago.
- Philosphers. I solved the Philosophers puzzle by using multiple threads and mutexes. Done 4 months ago.
- minishell. With my partner I created my own version of the bash shell. Done 9 months ago.
- fract-ol. I created a generator for the mandelbrot and julia set. Done 1 year ago.
- push_swap. I created my own efficient sorting algorithm within given restrictions. Done 1 year ago.
- minitalk. I established a communication channel between a client and a server using only two UNIX signals. Done 1 year ago.
- get_next_line. I wrote an efficient helper function that reads the next line from an input stream using a buffer of a given size. Done 1 year ago.
- Born2beroot. I learned to become a system administrator by setting up your own Virtual Machine and making it secure. Done 1 year ago.
- ft_printf. I wrote your own version of the printf() standard C function. Done 1 year ago.
- Libft. I created my own C library with implementations of libc functions. Done 1 year ago.
[ π Contact me ]
other code projects π»
- This website. I am learning the basics of HTML, CSS, Javascript and the frameworks Eleventy and Handlebars.js to create this website. Done 2 weeks ago.
- lazy_malloc. I created a simple garbage collector for C using static variables and linked lists. Doing since 4 months.
[ π Contact me ]
other things βοΈ
- Volt Europa. I do social activism and IT project management at the worlds first pan-European political party and movement. Doing since 4 years.
- Mauritania. π²π· I experienced a short residence in the seaside town of Nouadhibou, in this transition country spanning from North- to West-Africa, from the Sahara to the Sahel . Done 1 year ago.
- Autodidact. I obtained the Dutch baccalaureate exam (VWO) by finishing the last year of high school by self-study from home. Done 4 years ago.
- Final editor. For the TrΓ©sor school newspaper at Theresialyceum Tilburg. Done 5 years ago.
[ π Contact me ]
What others say about me π
Great communicator, thoughtful person, fun to collaborate with, hope we keep doing that!
~ Ruben Timmerman, Volt Europa tech team, founder of Springest
Throughout his studies, I got to know Yannick as a very responsible and dedicated student. As a tutor, he was always ready to support and motivate his fellow students. His sharp analytical mind and attentiveness enable him to come up with creative and effective solutions to various challenges! Yannick is also driven and a valuable team player. He creates positive team dynamics and a nice group feeling. His reliability and dedication make him someone you can count on, even in the most demanding situations. I can highly recommend Yannick as a colleague or team member. His combination of competence, dedication and team spirit make him a valuable asset to any project or team!
~ Sarah van Hooreweder, general manager Antwerp campus at 19
Yannick is great at bringing together and motivating developers. He ensures that everyone feels welcome, while keeping all eyes on the goal and making sure the team moves forward.
~ Simon Riezebos, Volt Europa data team
Having Yannick with us at school is truly a joy. He consistently brings a great deal of positive energy and is always ready to assist a fellow student with any matter. His perfect balance between social skills and technical abilities makes him a standout. Any company or organization would be fortunate to have him on their team.
~ Χ‘ΧΧ ΧΧΧΧ§ (Samuel Gluck), student at 19
He is a considerate development team mate who has a broad range of skillset, more precisely being able to zoom in to binary level and zoom out to value creation for an organisation.
~ Rando Sainas, student at 19
Yannick is very diligent. He is a strategic thinker and has a good understanding of what is needed in an organisation. Someone like Yannick is indispensable in a well-functioning company or organisation.
~ Ruben Schouten, Volt Europa election candidate
His approach is very structured: make a plan, divide the work, set intermediate deadlines and come together as often as necessary to streamline the process. Yannick communicates efficiently leaving nothing unclear. He's motivated and doesn't hesitate to work hard when necessary. I had a very good time collaborating together and can definitely recommend working with him.
~ Krystian Kaczorowski, student at 19
I have been working with Yannick for quite some time, in his role as Innovation Tech lead of Volt Europa. On several project proposals, Yannick has helped me to investigate the project from the 'why' to detailed requirements. Yannick knows how to ask questions, and create clarity from rough ideas. Yannick knows tech, but he also understands communication and leadership. With the help of Yannick, because of Yannick, we have successfully implemented several innovative products.
~ Mick van Breukelen, IT Project Manager at Volt Nederland
Yannick is a great friend, always coming up with smart and creative problem-solving ideas. Even if you're new to programming, Yannick doesn't mind taking the time to answer questions and make sure you understand the problem correctly. Yannick is also someone who dares to give his own opinion on things that he thinks need to change, regardless of whether people may ignore it. It's a pleasure to work with Yannick!
~ Hai Anh Le, student at 19
Yannick is a very talented person. Not only is he good at programming, he is always ready to explain tricky concepts or help with any problem. His eternal curiosity is contagious, and his willingness to learn is one of his best character traits. His skill as a programmer is also perfectly complemented by his almost endless patience. Working with him is a very pleasant experience, a plus for any organisation.
~ Matisse Legendre, student at 19
Yannick is a team player with a great hunger for learning. Always happy to help and share information, or just for a chat and a laugh. I look forward to working with him more in the future.
~ Bram Major, student at 19
Working with Yannick has been a true delight. His passion for the project, depth of knowledge, and proactive attitude have truly elevated our work to the next level.
~ Anthony Hooghe, student at 19
Whether it is about collaborating, explaining patiently, or just bringing a good vibe, Yannick was always great. Really a recommendation for everyone that is looking for a team member that does not only have skills, but also is a great team player!
~ Mohammed Nasar, student at 19
I was lucky enough to work with Yannick during my IT training at Campus 19 in Brussels. Yannick is not only intelligent and creative, but also a great team player. Thanks to his positive attitude, he is able to solve complex problems efficiently. I am convinced that Yannick will be a valuable asset to any team or project.
~ Jolande Steenput, student at 19
Yannick is a friend with whom I always enjoy discussing code. He has a very pragmatic approach to his projects and generally seeks to go further than what is asked of him. He's not afraid to ask questions and point out problems. What's more, he's a very charming person.
~ Gaetan Marchale, student at 19
Working alongside Yannick is always a pleasure; his approachability and great sense of humor make collaboration effortless. His dedication to his work is evident in every project he undertakes, and his willingness to give compliments where they're due speaks volumes about his genuine appreciation for excellence. His positive energy and commitment are sure to make a lasting impression.
~ Oussama Sarsari, student at 19
Yannick is a great fellow student and a warm person with whom it is always a pleasure to work together. With his talent for communication and welcoming attitude, he adds value not only professionally but also during informal conversations. I look forward to further cooperation in the future.
~ Raven Boits Bervoets, student at 19