The W.TEC Academy is a cocurricular programme, dedicated to empowering secondary school girls with technology skills in the Country. Recently the coordinators of the programme embarked on a transformative oversight trip to Ondo. This trip, spearheaded by Yemisi Efunuga, our Programme Coordinator, and Lesley Tarabina, our Curriculum Development Coordinator, was a vital part of our continuous effort to enhance the impact and reach of our programmes. The primary objectives of their trip were to conduct a skills upgrade exercise and to hold a comprehensive program review with our dedicated instructors.
Day 1: Hands-on Training and Practical Building
The first day of the trip was dynamic and hands-on. Lesley Tarabina led the training sessions which focused on practical building and Scratch programming. Scratch, a block-based visual programming language, is an excellent tool for teaching the basics of coding and fostering creative thinking among our students.
The training session also featured hands on training scheme for building tech tools to harnessing solar energy for their regular needs of students. This session began with an introduction to essential electronics components, specifically geared towards new members of instructors. The session covered:
Electronics and Solar Panel Charger: Participants learned about the basics of solar energy and its applications.
Rechargeable Light: A practical project that not only illustrated the concepts of renewable energy but also resulted in the creation of functional rechargeable lights.
The volunteers were taught to identify and use various electronic components such as soldering irons, soldering leads, mounting tapes, voltage regulators, batteries, and charging modules. The new members gained hands-on experience, which is crucial for effective teaching and learning.
Day 2: Group Projects and Review Meetings
On the second day, the volunteers were divided into three groups. Each group undertook the project of building an electronic torch. This exercise not only reinforced their understanding of the concepts learned but also promoted teamwork and problem-solving skills. The completed torches were later donated to the school, showcasing the practical benefits of the training sessions.
Review Meeting
The review meeting, facilitated by Oluwayemisi Efunuga, was a significant part of the trip. This session brought together the 13 instructors, including three new members and ten returning ones. The objective was to assess the progress of the programme and its impact on the participants. Discussions focused on:
Programme Impact: Evaluating how the program has influenced students’ interest and proficiency in technology.
Instructor Feedback: Gathering insights from the instructors on the curriculum and its delivery.
Future Enhancements: Identifying areas for improvement to ensure the program continues to meet the evolving needs of the students.
Observations: Building a Community of Tech-Savvy Educators
The oversight trip to Ondo was more than just a training session; it was an opportunity to strengthen our community of tech-savvy educators. The involvement of both new and returning volunteers highlighted the collaborative spirit that is at the heart of W.TEC Academy. By sharing knowledge and experiences, we are building a robust support network that will continue to inspire and equip the next generation of women in tech.
Looking Ahead
The success of this trip reaffirms our commitment to providing high-quality technology education. As we continue to expand our programs, we remain dedicated to our mission of bridging the gender gap in technology. We look forward to more such impactful trips and the continued success of our educators and students.
Participant Testimonial: Ilesanmi Oluwadarasimi
I am elated to share my experience about the 2-day Training of Trainers (TOT) event held on the 28th and 29th of February, 2024.
On the first day, we delved into the practical aspects of building. I learned how to construct a solar panel charger and a rechargeable light. The hands-on approach was incredibly enlightening and engaging.
The second day was focused on Scratch, a software used to create animated videos and games, among other things. This training broadened my understanding of programming and its applications in a fun and interactive way.
The two days of training were amazing, and the instruction was clear and coherent. I believe this program is essential in boosting the confidence of young girls and making them aware that they can thrive in a traditionally male-dominated field.
It is an honor to be part of this great initiative, and I am excited to share what I have learned with the students.
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About W.TEC Academy: The W.TEC Academy is an afterschool technology club, which presents technology in an engaging way, with the aim of attracting more girls to pursue science and technology careers. The clubs target girls, aged 10 to 17 years, who attend public schools in Nigeria. The students go through a practical and engaging curriculum comprised of programming with Alice and Greenfoot, Mobile Application Development, Computer Architecture, Networking, and Robotics. Thie programme is run in Lagos, Kwara and Ondo States.
The programme by W.TEC is run in Ondo in collaboration with F5.
Feel free to reach out for any further details or if you would like to get involved with our initiatives. Together, we can make a significant difference.