TechHer, in collaboration with its longstanding partner, PLAN International Nigeria, has concluded a second cohort of the DigiStars Mentorship Programme in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. This annual initiative, designed to foster the advancement of girls in non-traditional fields, particularly Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), has marked another milestone in empowering young girls with digital literacy skills.
The six-month programme, inaugurated in 2022, was a culmination of TechHer’s School Tour project, where students from peri-urban secondary schools are equipped with essential digital literacy skills. This year’s cohort, selected through a rigorous essay writing competition highlighting the significance of digital skills in Nigeria, focused on imparting foundational knowledge in Cybersecurity and Coding.
The programme attracted applications from numerous schools across the FCT, with participants hailing from five selected schools across the nation’s capital: GGEE Dutse, Capville School, Light of Day School, Olumawu College, and GSS Garki. Throughout the programme, a combination of virtual learning and in-person meetings facilitated the delivery of comprehensive learning modules.
Queeneth Njoku, Communications Officer at Plan International, expressed gratitude to parents and guardians for their unwavering dedication in ensuring students’ active participation, underscoring their crucial role in the programme’s success. She emphasised the importance of nurturing girls’ interest in STEM education and providing them with the necessary tools to thrive in these fields.
“It is important that parents also recognise the importance of fostering girls’ interest in STEM education and equipping them with essential tools to thrive in these fields. By doing so, we encourage and support their meaningful contributions to areas of innovation and progress”, she said.
Ugochi Ihe, Digital Literacy Program Associate at TechHer, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to bridging the digital gender gap, particularly among students in the FCT and beyond. She underscored the significance of initiatives like the DigiStars Mentorship Programme in empowering girls with digital skills, enabling them to navigate challenges and pursue their interests confidently.
“At TechHerNG, one of our missions is centred around bridging the digital gender gap, starting with students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This commitment led us to establish the School Tour Project and the Digistars Mentorship Project, both geared towards providing students with exposure to digital tools and resources while instilling in them the importance of digital literacy”, Ihe stated.
During the graduation ceremony, testimonials from parents underscored the programme’s positive impact, with notable improvements in their children’s curiosity and knowledge in STEM fields. As the ceremony concluded, Ihe expressed heartfelt appreciation to parents, students, and Plan International for their steadfast support and commitment to the programme’s success.
The graduation ceremony concluded with testimonials from parents, attesting to the increase in their children’s curiosity and knowledge in STEM fields, as well as their stellar performance throughout the programme. In her closing remarks and during the certificate handover to the students, Ihe expressed heartfelt gratitude to the parents, students, and Plan International for their unwavering efforts and commitment to the programme’s success.
“The success of the second cohort of the DigiStars Mentorship Programme underscores the power of collaboration and the critical investment in STEM education for young girls,” stated Ihe. “We eagerly anticipate the lasting impact and achievements of this initiative in the lives of its beneficiaries.”
The next cohort of the DigiStars Mentorship Programme is set to begin in June 2024, continuing the initiative’s success with considerations for possibly onboarding more.