While pursuing academic studies at Queen’s College, 18-year-old Satesh Persaud divided his time between studying and crafting a mobile application for local telecommunications company, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT). Notably, Persaud created a shortcut to provide customers with a simplified approach to GTT’s mobile services.
“The app I designed is called GDial. It has one simple goal and that is to simplify the way users access options in GTT *100# menu. GDial presents the options from the *100# menu in a simple and organised manner. To select an option, you simply tap on it. When you tap an option, you automatically dial the number that takes you straight to the result for that option. For example, tapping the Dynamic Balance option instantly dials the number and displays your Dynamic Balance,” the computer science student explained to Sunday Times Magazine.
Persaud described himself as a “fan of all things relating to computers and programming”. He added that his idea for the app was in the making years before he learned about developing Android apps.
“Back then, I just thought someone should build an app to do this, but no one did. Then one day, sometime in September 2015, I just suddenly decided to try Android app development. And that started a long journey of fun self-learning that I don’t want to end. When I’m learning something new, I need some sort of goal as motivation to keep learning and that’s when I decided to make this app my goal. I kept learning and working on the app since then and that continues up to now,” he expressed.
The self-taught programmer can now boast the creation of his very own app at such a tender age.
“It was quite tough to manage school and develop the app, especially since I had to learn how to develop the app at the same time. I did most of the work after school and during holidays. I didn’t really have a project plan. I just did something and if I liked it, I kept it. If I didn’t like it, I improved on it. Due to that, the app took over a year to develop before I first released it,” he recalled.
Persaud’s dedication to his studies paired with his passion for creating GDial stands as a testimony of the invaluable talents and skills that exist locally.
Additionally, the 18-year-old’s creation is an inspiration to other young aspiring innovators, who Persaud urged to “explore their possibilities and work tirelessly towards achieving their goals”.
The GDial app is now available for download on Google Play Store and is free of cost.
