Last week we had a wonderful full circle moment at our W.TEC Office in Kwara State where 3 of our alumni participated in the recently concluded TOT, aiming to join our team of instructors at W.TEC for our ongoing after school computer programmes for girls tagged W.TEC Academy. In this post we are excited to present one of them to you.
Meet Gloria Epi-Jombo, an 18-year-old student at the University of Ilorin. Her journey with W.TEC began long before she stepped onto the bustling campus grounds. It was a whisper in her ear, carried by her sister when she was just in JSS3. From that moment, Gloria was entranced by their mission, their purpose.
Even though she wasn’t officially enrolled in their programs at the time, Gloria immersed herself in W.TEC’s curriculum activities, hungry for knowledge and eager to soak up every bit of inspiration they offered. It was during her time in SS1 that she finally got her chance to dive headfirst into the world of W.TEC, joining their prestigious SHE CREATES CAMP.
In her own words now let find out more about her journey of purpose with W.TEC:
“My name is Gloria Epi-Jombo, I am 18yrs old and a student of University of Ilorin. I first heard about W.TEC from my sister when I was in JSS3 and I fell in love with their work immediately. I indulge myself with their curriculum activities even when I wasn’t one of their students then.
I was opportune to join one of their programs when I was in SS1, it was the SHE CREATES CAMP and I enjoyed the whole activities of the camp with my fellow campers and trainers. After that, I promised myself to be part of the W.TEC family and join them in helping the girl child and females in the country.
After I graduated from secondary school and wrote my JAMB, I joined my first TOT (training of trainers) in 2022 and was among the selected volunteers. I trained the students of Lower Niger Basin college and I had a wonderful time training the students. I am currently not working as I have gained admission into school but I intend to resume working as an instructor/trainer with W.TEC as soon as I balance my schooling schedule. W.TEC has been a great impact on my life and I will never forget that. Thank you W.TEC”.
As I draw this blog post to a close, I can’t help but reflect on the profound impact W.TEC has had, not just on the lives of its participants, but on the very fabric of our society. The journey of empowerment doesn’t end when the program concludes or when the participants graduate. It’s a continuous cycle of growth, evolution, and giving back.
One of the most heartening signs of our progress is when alumni, years after their own transformative experiences, return to give back to the participants of current programs. It’s a testament to the lasting impact of W.TEC’s work and the ripple effect it creates in the lives of individuals and communities.
When former participants become mentors, trainers, or supporters of current programs, it’s a reaffirmation of our mission and a celebration of the seeds of empowerment we’ve planted. It’s a reminder that our efforts today are shaping the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow. So, to all our alumni who have returned to pay it forward, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your willingness to give back not only enriches the experiences of current participants but also strengthens.
Current and past partners and supporters have included Oracle, F5, GlobalGiving, Intel, Lagos State Science and Research Innovation Council (LASRIC), WeTech, Google, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Kwara State Ministry of Education, the National Library Yaba, FEMTECH and SoftTrade.
This presentation was packaged by:
Tolulope Kawthar Ibiyeye – W.TEC State Co-ordinator, Kwara State