International Girls in ICT Day, observed annually on the fourth Thursday of April, promotes girls’ participation in the information and communication technology (ICT) field. This year, the theme aims to encourage empowerment and leadership development among girls for a more equitable future in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Through workshops, coding camps, mentorship programs, and discussions, it provides girls with skills, confidence, and role models to pursue ICT careers. 

Encouraging early engagement with ICT, the day fosters an inclusive environment for girls to explore their potential as future tech leaders. Collaboration among governments, educators, and industry stakeholders is crucial for creating equal opportunities. By harnessing girls’ talents, International Girls in ICT Day aims to drive innovation and address global challenges with diverse perspectives, ensuring a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Asante Africa Foundation plays a crucial role in furthering female participation in ICT and hence observes this day with great fervor. The foundation is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for youth in East Africa, particularly girls, and we are committed to evolving our curriculum to embrace the growing importance of STEM education and digital learning. Recognizing the transformative potential of these fields, we have initiated a strategic push to integrate more STEM subjects and digital literacy into our programs, thereby equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the 21st-century digital economy.

Our digital apprenticeship training programs offer female students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with computers, software applications, and digital devices. Through interactive workshops, online courses, and mentorship opportunities, students learn valuable skills such as coding, website development, digital marketing, and data analysis. 

In addition to technical skills, our digital apprenticeship training programs emphasize the development of soft skills such as collaboration, communication, and adaptability. Through team-based projects and collaborative learning experiences, students learn how to work effectively in diverse digital environments, communicate ideas clearly, and adapt to changing technological landscapes. These skills are essential for success in the digital economy, where teamwork and communication are often key drivers of innovation and productivity.

A notable effort towards inducting girls in ICT is through our foundation’s Digital Employability and Entrepreneurship Program (DEEP) which addresses youth marginalization with digital literacy and hands-on apprenticeships, bridging the gap for:

Seizing digital economic opportunities, crucial as African services transition digitally.
Creating a rural tertiary education alternative, where <10% currently pursue tertiary education and >60% face unemployment.
Promoting gender equality through digital upskilling, with 60% female and differently-abled youth recruited.

DEEP’s curriculum combines certified digital skills, entrepreneurial training, and transformative leadership. Developed by award-winning innovator Simon Mwangangi, DEEP fosters innovation, job creation, and socio-economic growth. Its “Learn-Do-Teach” model integrates practical learning with organizations like Google and Cisco, resulting in internationally recognized certifications and 1,500+ hours of validated work experience. DEEP provides multifaceted counseling and mentoring, equipping youth leaders to tackle community challenges while achieving sustainable livelihoods.

Our Success Stories: 

NANCY

Nancy is an bright, young entrepreneur from Kenya, who has incorporated her own digital marketing and web development company, Webcraft Solutions LTD. As an apprentice in Asante Africa Foundation’s DEEP Program, Nancy had all the necessary skills and tools to be able to start her own business from the ground up:

“Asante Africa has nurtured me into becoming a skillful technical professional. Through them, I was able to learn information technology and get Google IT certified. I also learned digital marketing through Asante Africa’s support and mentorship. I am now a company owner, designing and creating websites for businesses.” 

RAHEL

Through Asante Africa’s guidance, Rahel received the financial support for her primary and secondary school that she desperately needed to pursue her education— ultimately resulting in her interest in a STEM career and her graduation with a Diploma in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering in 2019.

The assistance provided by Asante Africa Foundation lifted the burden of school fees and expenses, allowing Rahel to focus on her studies to become the woman that she wants to be.

Asante Africa Foundation is dedicated to empowering female youth in East Africa with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed in the digital age. By advancing our curriculum to include more STEM subjects and digital learning, and by launching digital apprenticeship training programs, we are equipping students with the tools and competencies to thrive in the 21st-century digital economy.

Through our collaborative efforts with educators, industry partners, and community stakeholders, we are making a meaningful impact on the lives of young learners and paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Written by: Mayuri Goswami