Story: Empowering Girls and Bridging the Digital Divide with TechPower
A transformation is underway at the Iwerekun Community Junior High School, Lakowe. It all began when TechPower, a project of the Danne Institute for Research, entered the school with a mission to empower young girls and bridge the gender digital divide. This is the story of how TechPower changed the lives of the students, one girl at a time.
The Partnership with Iwerekun Community Junior High School, Lakowe
Our story begins with an extraordinary partnership between Danne Institute for Research and Iwerekun Community Junior High School. A pivotal moment came when the school received an ICT lab, courtesy of the MTN Foundation. Danne Institute for Research saw an opportunity to make a real impact through TechPower and seized it.
The motto, “Bridging the gender digital divide, one girl at a time,” reflects their commitment to providing quality STEM education to girls. The magic was about to happen.
An Impactful Experience
Enter Mr. Odunsi, the ICT teacher at the school who shared his experience with TechPower. According to him, the girls have embarked on a transformative journey. No longer were they merely learning about technology from textbooks; now, they are living it. A large majority of them are using a computer for the first time. Practical, hands-on, fun learning became their new reality. These junior secondary school girls are becoming tech-savvy, confidently navigating computers and other electronic devices. The shift was remarkable: science and technology are no longer abstract fields but practical and accessible to them.
Success Stories
In our story, success became a recurring theme. One of the most remarkable chapters was the students’ participation in the Innovators Challenge at the School of Science and Technology, Pan-Atlantic University sponsored by FSDH. These students were about to unveil their talents to the world.
Their performance was nothing short of spectacular. They conquered various challenges with gusto, showcasing their ability to innovate and utilize technology effectively. From crafting 3D printed marvels to designing architectural wonders and even building a functional traffic light system, these girls were on fire.
Voices from the Heart of TechPower
But what truly adds depth to our story are the voices of the girls themselves. Meet Francisca, a bright and enthusiastic student of the School. She shared her insights: “TechPower is a very good program which will make girls very good and very brilliant, geniuses in the school and other places.”
Ayase Salami
And then, there’s Ayase Salami, a 12-year-old dynamo with a heart full of gratitude. She expressed her gratitude: “I want to say a big thank you to TechPower and to FSDH for creating this program for us and for also helping us to be able to create new ideas and to know more about the tech world.”
Ayase and her team carried out a project that truly embodies the spirit of TechPower: “What I and my team are going to make is a traffic light that has a sensor in case any pedestrian is about to cross the road. When the light is red, the car is going to stop, and once the light is green, the car can go.”
Voices from the Heart of TechPower
But what truly adds depth to our story are the voices of the girls themselves. Meet Francisca, a bright and enthusiastic student of the School. She shared her insights: “TechPower is a very good program which will make girls very good and very brilliant, geniuses in the school and other places.”
Ayase Salami
And then, there’s Ayase Salami, a 12-year-old dynamo with a heart full of gratitude. She expressed her gratitude: “I want to say a big thank you to TechPower and to FSDH for creating this program for us and for also helping us to be able to create new ideas and to know more about the tech world.”
Ayase and her team carried out a project that truly embodies the spirit of TechPower: “What I and my team are going to make is a traffic light that has a sensor in case any pedestrian is about to cross the road. When the light is red, the car is going to stop, and once the light is green, the car can go.”
Building a Bright Future
As our story unfolds, we see Danne Institute for Research’s dedication to nurturing girls’ interest in STEM through TechPower. By making STEM practical and accessible, they laid the foundation for these students to dream big. The future suddenly looks brighter than ever. TechPower’s commitment to bridging the gender digital divide is not only empowering girls; it was also paving the way for innovation and progress in the world of STEM.
Conclusion
The story of TechPower in Iwerekun Community Junior High School is a testament to the power of dreams and dedication. One organization’s mission to empower girls has become a reality. Young girls are finding their voice in the world of STEM, and barriers are beginning to crumble.
This story is not just about technology; it’s about hope, empowerment, and dreams fulfilled. With your support, TechPower will continue this story, bridging the gender digital divide, one girl at a time.