Technology Afterschool Clubs for Girls in Nigeria

Introduction

W.TEC Academy, a pioneering co-curricular tech initiative by Women's Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC), is dedicated to empowering secondary school girls in Kwara, Ondo, and Lagos states. The programme focuses on computer programming and mobile app development, aiming to foster increased female participation in technology and cultivate essential skills for the next generation of innovators.

Lagos Academy 

Core Programme Activities

• Successfully trained 156 students through the W.TEC Academy comprehensive program
• Program implemented across 10 partner schools
• Delivered hands-on training in renewable technology field

Major Events 

International Day of the Girl Child Celebration

• Hosted a signature event at Gbaja Senior and Junior Secondary Schools
• Featured distinguished speakers from Lafarge and Oracle Academy
• Engaged 100 student participants
• Student showcase included:
• Technology-focused presentations
• Creative poetry performances
• Innovation projects, including an emergency response application

Digital Safety Initiative

• Conducted an impactful sensitization program during the 16 Days of Activism campaign
• Focus on empowering girls to navigate and thrive in the digital space
• Emphasis on online safety and responsible technology use

Curriculum Highlights The programme delivered comprehensive training in:

• Scratch programming fundamentals
• Video game design and development
• Mobile application creation
• Solar power technology applications
• Digital video editing skills

Programme Impact The academy has successfully:

• Enhanced students' technical capabilities across multiple STEM disciplines
• Strengthened career readiness for technology-focused professions
• Built confidence in students' ability to pursue STEM careers
• Created opportunities for creative expression through technology
• Transformation in STEM Career Interests Hands-on Renewable Energy Training 

Initial Assessment at the commencement of Hands-on Renewable for this academic session  in collaboration with Cummins:

• 76% of female students expressed no interest in pursuing engineering and technology-related courses
• 24% of female students showed interest in engineering and technology-related fields

Post-Program Outcomes After completing the hands-on renewable energy training sessions:

• 82% of female students now express interest in pursuing technology and engineering fields
• 18% of female students maintain their preference not to pursue engineering or technology-related courses

Kwara Academy 

Core Programme Activities

• Successfully conducted comprehensive technology training across 14 schools in Kwara State
• Enrolled 335 students in the program
• Achieved an impressive 83% graduation rate with 279 students completing the program from 13 schools

Major Events 

International Day of the Girl Child

• Organized empowerment activities at Government High School
• Focus on technology education and leadership development
• Created platforms for students to showcase their technology skills

16 Days of Activism Campaign

• Conducted awareness programs across three major institutions:
• C & S College
• Ilorin Comprehensive High School
• St. Anthony Secondary School
• Programmes highlighted the importance of ending gender-based violence
• Integrated technology solutions for social advocacy

Strategic Partnerships

Educational Collaborations

• Partnered with Unicorn African Girls to expand program reach and impact
• Collaborated with state government officials:
• Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Innovation
• Special Adviser to the Governor on Education

Programme Enhancement Initiatives

• Implemented Summer STEM Bootcamp in partnership with state digital innovation office
• Developed targeted programs to promote digital skills among students

Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Participation

Key Participation in State-Level Meetings

• Actively contributed to two major stakeholder consultations:
1. UNICEF Global Partnership for Education System Transformation Grants Workshop
2. National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill discussions

Policy Impact

• Provided input on educational technology initiatives in Kwara State
• Contributed to discussions on digital transformation in education
• Participated in shaping state-level education and technology policies

Ondo Academy

Core Programme Activities

• Successfully engaged 178 participants aged 11-17 across five public secondary schools
• Implemented programme through 12 trained instructors across various centers
• Delivered 9-week comprehensive training program during the term

Curriculum Implementation

Technical Skills Development

• Scratch programming fundamentals
• Renewable energy technology projects:
• Solar power lamp construction
• Solar phone charger development
• Rechargeable light systems

Learning Approach

• Combined theoretical knowledge with practical applications
• Interactive learning sessions
• Hands-on exercises and projects

Programme Evaluation and Impact

Assessment Methodology

• Implemented comprehensive pre and post-test evaluations
• Used open-ended questions to measure computer knowledge
• Tracked learning progress throughout the term

Impact Statistics

• Career Interest: 99% expressed interest in tech/engineering careers
• Problem-Solving: 91% reported increased confidence
• Learning Outcomes: 100% showed improved technology understanding
• Teamwork Development: 64% demonstrated enhanced collaboration skills
• Family Support: 93% confirmed family backing for STEM pursuits

Programme Outcomes The program has successfully:

• Fostered strong interest in technology careers
• Built student confidence in problem-solving
• Enhanced understanding of technology subjects
• Developed essential teamwork skills
• Secured family support for STEM education

Links:

• International Day of the Girl Child Event_ W.TEC Lagos Academy
• 16 days of Activism Event_W.TEC Lagos Academy