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title: README
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# BITZ - Building Innovative Technology for Social Impact

## About Us

BITZ is a technology organization dedicated to developing innovative solutions that address critical challenges in healthcare, education, and social services across East Africa and beyond. We specialize in building AI/ML systems, health information platforms, and data-driven applications that empower communities and improve service delivery.

## Our Mission

To leverage cutting-edge technology to create sustainable, scalable solutions that improve lives and strengthen systems in low- and middle-income settings.

## Focus Areas

### 🏥 Healthcare Technology
- Health Management Information Systems (HMIS)
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR) platforms
- Healthcare data analytics and visualization
- Clinical decision support systems

### 🗣️ Speech & Language AI
- Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) for African languages
- Voice-enabled applications for low-literacy contexts
- Swahili language processing and NLP
- Telephony and call center AI solutions

### 📊 Data & Analytics
- Data collection and management platforms
- Real-time analytics dashboards
- Survey and assessment tools

### 🌍 Social Impact Projects
- Child helpline and protection systems
- Worker rights and union platforms
- Community health worker tools
- Educational technology solutions

## Key Projects

### OpenCHS (Open Child Helpline System)
An open-source platform for managing child helpline operations, featuring:
- ASR models for Swahili telephony transcription
- Call center management and analytics
- Multi-channel support (voice, SMS, web)
- Privacy-first architecture for protecting vulnerable populations

### Healthcare Information Systems
Comprehensive HMIS solutions designed for healthcare facilities:
- Patient management and EMR
- Inventory and pharmacy management
- Laboratory information systems
- Reporting and analytics

## Technology Stack

**AI/ML:**
- PyTorch, Transformers (Hugging Face)
- Whisper, OpenAI models
- Custom model training and fine-tuning
- MLOps and model deployment

**Backend:**
- Python (Django, FastAPI)
- PostgreSQL, ChromaDB
- RESTful APIs, microservices architecture

**Frontend:**
- Vue.js, React
- Progressive Web Apps (PWA)
- Responsive design for mobile-first contexts

**Integration:**
- Microsoft OAuth/SSO
- Telephony systems (VoIP)
- Health information exchanges

## Our Approach

- **Open Source First:** We believe in building transparent, community-driven solutions
- **Context-Aware:** Solutions designed specifically for African contexts and constraints
- **Privacy by Design:** Protecting sensitive data, especially for vulnerable populations
- **Sustainable:** Building systems that can be maintained and scaled by local teams
- **Evidence-Based:** Using data and metrics to drive continuous improvement

## Models on HuggingFace

We're actively developing and sharing models that advance AI capabilities for underrepresented languages and domains:

- **Swahili ASR Models:** Fine-tuned Whisper models for telephony and conversational speech
- **Domain-Adapted Models:** Healthcare, social services, and call center optimized models
- **Low-Resource Language Processing:** Tools and datasets for African languages

## Partnerships & Collaborations

We work closely with:
- UNICEF and international development organizations
- Healthcare facilities and ministries of health
- NGOs and social service providers
- Academic institutions and research partners
- Local technology communities

## Get Involved

**For Organizations:**
Interested in implementing our solutions or partnering on new projects? We're always looking for collaborations that amplify social impact.

**For Developers:**
Check out our open-source projects and contribute to building technology that matters. We welcome contributions from developers passionate about using technology for social good.

**For Researchers:**
Collaborate with us on advancing AI/ML for African languages, healthcare technology, or social impact applications.

## Contact

- **Website:** [www.bitz-itc.com]
- **GitHub:** [Your GitHub Organization]
- **Email:** [Contact Email]
- **Location:** Nairobi, Kenya

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**Impact Stats:**
- Models trained on 40+ hours of African language speech data
- Supporting helpline systems serving thousands of vulnerable children
- HMIS solutions deployed in healthcare facilities across East Africa
- Contributing to open-source AI/ML for underrepresented languages

*Building the future of technology for social impact, one solution at a time.*