I’ve always wanted to use design as a way to build bridges and literally cross borders. The development of the Designers Without Borders Online Design Exchange has allowed me to do just that. The program came about as an idea that I had to connect designers in Africa to mentors in the US and allow them access to knowledge, techniques and skills that they may not otherwise have in their sometimes less-than-ideal academic environments.

I’m blessed to be able to say that I’m doing exactly what I’ve always wanted to do: using art and technology to communicate ideas and influence thought and action. What’s even better is that I’m able to use this same passion to enhance the education of Ugandan students across the Atlantic. Technology is a beautiful thing.

Having just completed its second year, the DWB Online Design Exchange has been an interesting learning experience for me as I’m sure it’s been for the other mentors who have participated. An out-of-the-box experiment in cross-cultural, trans-Atlantic mentoring, the program is starting to get its legs, but not without its growing pains.

The Design Exchange works by matching up a US-based professional in the design field (with disciplines ranging from animation and video production to marketing and graphic design) with a design student at Makerere University in Uganda. The objective of the program is for the student to gain real world experience and coaching by a professional designer.

Of the many lessons learned, clarity in communication is a major one. The cultural nuances of language on both sides of the Atlantic haven’t altogether been a barrier (all the students speak and write in English), but it has made it sometimes challenging to relay design concepts. Not to mention that some students may have had the wrong idea of what the program was about. One student’s request of his mentor went like this: “I am so greatful to have you as my mentor I promise not to disappoint you. Please I would really like to know whether it is possible for you to get me some clients.”

Access to technology that we take for-granted here was one of the challenges we also faced. It wasn’t always readily available to students and so often, students would respond late to assignments because the electricity had gone out or they didn’t have money to pay for access to a computer at an internet café (which are now a mainstay in the country). The hard part for mentors was that you couldn’t always tell if the students were truly in a predicament or if it was one of those “dog at my homework” deals.

But all those challenges become less relevant when you receive feedback from students like, “I have totally changed beneficially in my designing. I used to let software do a lot in my designing…But now I use my brain and sketches to create a brilliant result on the computer… Really [the program] is good and beneficial to all. Thanks for your good work.” The students are very appreciative of the mentoring experience—even when their end-of-program evaluations aren’t altogether favorable.

For myself, and most of the mentors, the effort (and sometimes headache) is worth it. Knowing that you are making an impact in the life of a young mind is fulfilling. It’s that whole “teach them to fish” concept in action. Afterall, what good is knowledge of any kind if you can’t use it to help someone else better themselves and ultimately, their lives?

Julian B. Kiganda is President of Vibrant Design Group LLC, an award-winning multi-disciplinary design firm which specializes in creating dynamic brands, marketing campaigns, events and exhibits for culturally diverse audiences.