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70 Lucky Females gets to CODE 4 IMPACT

The hunt for women to embrace technology has increased in recent times. It is believed that professions and careers advance when a woman decides to help another. 

As part of Access Bank's contribution to the women's history month, they partnered with Hacey Health Initiative (a Non-governmental organization) and the United States Consulate in Nigeria to partake in an empowerment initiative called CODE 4 IMPACT. 

The program was launched at the Access bank Headquarters, Ikoyi Lagos on the 9th of March 2016. A total of 70 Young females between the ages of 18 -30 years were selected to participate in the program.

These ladies are to undergo experimental learning to build their digital literacy skills. In order to achieve this, the girls will be working in groups on any project that is related to the Sustainable development goals for the Girl Child.

Gracing the occasion was Dehab ghebreab, Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy Abuja. She talked about the importance of females learning to create proactive information technology solutions for SDGs. She noted that the CODE 4 IMPACT program was selected out of 300 proposals submitted to the embassy because of it's relation to the SDGs.

Dehab ghebreab giving her speech 

Dehab ghebreab noted that the president of the United states, Barack Obama, has supported several programs aiding Africa through Initiatives geared towards entrepreneurship. One of the initiatives she mentioned was the Global innovation through Science and Technology (GIST). she encouraged Nigerian girls to take up the challenge and benefit from such initiatives.

Omobolanle Laniyan, representing access Bank, applauded the initiative and designated it as an "experiential learning program" that will boost the coding and analytical skill of participants, with the mindset of building solutions around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Eyitemi Egbejule also vowed to dedicate time to teach the ladies coding for the next couple of months as a way of giving back to the society.

GSOC Meet-up

On Wednesday march the 25th 2015, Google student Ambassador James Uzoma had organized the ever first meetup on "GSOC 2015" at the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta to increase awareness to student participants who are members of the Java/Android study club.

About 40 Students from 6 colleges attended the meetup. The event was designed like a series talk from the GSA and those that had applied, with the aim of inspiring and motiviating them to participate in the 11th edition of Google summer of code program.

The speakers include: James Uzoma, Ayobami Onakomaya, and Afuwape Ifeoluwa

Ayobami Onakomaya giving a talk

Students listening to the speakers during the GSOC meet-up

The event started with Uzoma introducing GSOC, why students should apply and success stories of Nigerians who applied last year. She also mentioned about the GSOkites virtual class room, a community on google plus that is committed to preparing the next African Open Source Developers through the GSOC program. This community is best for University students interested in coding and wants to enhance their open source development through GSOC.

Afuwape Ifeoluwa

After which Ifeoluwa handled the Terms and conditions section. He clearly explained how he had applied and mentioned about student requirements such as proof of enrollment and the likes. Ayobami spoke about different open source organizations and potential orgainzations students can apply to. The sections were interactive as students indicated interest and some of them applied for GSOC on the spot.

I'm so happy with the success of the event, being the first of its kind in my school, helping students know more about Open source software and GSOC. Huge thanks to the Google Student club members, FUNAAB, the ICT director, Mr Sanni, Mr Soretire, Abiola Olumide, kareem and Uzoma Ibe, without their help this event wouldn't have been possible.

Success to all the GSOC 2015 aspirants.

James Uzoma.