Noeline Nandago receives the Yoast Care fund for her contribution to the WordPress community

Meet Noeline Nandago, a valued member of the WordPress community! Stephen Dumba nominated her for the Yoast Care Fund for her commitment and valuable contributions. Let’s learn more about this WordPress enthusiast.

Nominator Stephen Dumba: “In 2018, I attended my first WordCamp. The crowd was mostly gentlemen, but among the women who attended was Noeline. We didn’t know each other, but it was easy to spot the unique women who showed up because, traditionally, tech events in Uganda were predominantly attended by men. Unlike many others who disappeared into oblivion after such events, Noeline kept pushing for knowledge and became a common figure at other WordCamps. She eventually joined me in our volunteer role of introducing WordPress to teachers and learners under the #1000WordPressNinjas initiative across Uganda. Her voluntary efforts in introducing WordPress to teachers and learners over the past 3 years have been impactful and cannot go unnoticed.”

Let’s get to know Noeline Nandago

Those are some lovely words by Stephen. Let’s get to know Noeline a bit better and ask her some questions about her work and passion for WordPress:

Hi, Noeline! What do you do in the WordPress space?

I started out as an ordinary WordPress user, contributing to the website of the ICT Teachers’ Association of Uganda. Along the way, I joined colleagues in showing other teachers and even learners how to build simple websites. This naturally progressed into other roles at WordPress events like volunteering, organizing, and even speaking.

How did you first discover WordPress, and why did you start contributing?

In 2018, I was invited by Rogers Mukalele to WordCamp Kampala, and since then, I have attended many WordCamps in Uganda. I started contributing because it came naturally to me, given my background as an educator. This was amplified by our teachers’ association call for #EachOneTeachOne, where we share what we know with each other.

What do you think made you stand out for this nomination?

I believe that my 9 years of consistent voluntary work with the student and teacher community in Uganda through initiatives like #EachOneTeachOne and #1000WordPressNinjas must have contributed to this nomination. My contribution to equipping youth with practical, job-ready digital skills is now evident across Uganda through testimonies from former students.

Who is your WordPress mentor?

My mentor is Stephen Dumba, commonly known as The Restless Teacher. In his computer lab, there is a quote that reads: “Of what use is knowledge if it cannot be shared with others?” During academic holidays, I have always visited his computer lab, and he has patiently introduced me to new tools and helped me master concepts I previously struggled with. On top of giving me time and space to practice my WordPress skills, he pushed me into my first speaking role at a WordCamp. His generosity with knowledge and time is a key reason I have kept pushing forward with WordPress. I am deeply indebted to him.

Where can people connect with you? Online, at WordCamps, or other meetups?

You can connect with me on X or the Masaka WordPress Meetup, where I am actively involved. You can also find me at my place of work, St. Denis Ssebugwawo Secondary School in Ggaba, Uganda, where I teach ICT.

Thank you for this interview, Noeline, and for all your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Noeline Nandago who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.