To commemorate the 2015 International Girls in ICT Day, a total of 130 girls from 3 Science Secondary Schools in the FCT participated in the three (3) day’s event. The schools are:

• Government Girls Science Secondary School, Kuje
• Government Science & Technical College, Area 3, Garki
• Government Science Secondary School, Maitama

The theme for this year’s international girls in ICT day by YiSHDA is “Enhancing Girls’ Education through ICT”. It is critical that girls have equal, safe and reliable access to technology training because without access, girls will continue to be excluded from many opportunities for social and economic leadership.

Day One (27 April, 2015)

30 girls visited the Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT). The visit was aimed at creating an environment that empowers and encourages girls and to consider careers in the growing field of information and communication technologies (ICTs). During the visit, the girls had the opportunity to tour round NIGCOMSAT and also listened to short presentations from telecommunication experts.

Nigerian Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited is a company under the Federal Ministry Information Communications Technology of whose mission is to be the leading communication satellite operator and service provider in Africa.

Day Two (28 April, 2015)

A total of 50 girls participated in a One Day Practical ICT Training. The ICT training was implemented in 2 Streams:

Stream A focused on Basic Computer Appreciation and 30 girls participated. The training covered basic Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and use of the Internet.

As a result of this basic computer appreciation training, the 30 young girls who participated have acquired and improved in digital literacy skills and their understanding about computers and technology have further expended.

Stream B focused on Programming (Scratch) and 20 girls participated. The idea is to create an environment where girls can have opportunities to develop Scratch usage and programming skills and to also explore ways in which Scratch Programming can be used as tool to enhance their education through critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity and innovation.

At the end of the training, the girls created their own interactive stories using animations, music, and art, and Five (5) teachers were also trained to become Scratch Educators and will use Scratch as a tool for helping students develop their skills in ICT.

Day Three (29 April, 2015)

To conclude the 2015 International Girls in ICT Day, 50 girls visited the World Bank Nigeria Country Office for an open day event and had an interactive session with ICT experts. The girls were encouraged and aspired to use ICT and to build their careers in the ICT field.

Testimonies/Feedback

“The Girls in ICT event has made me see different side to ICT and the advantages. I have learnt how make animations through the Scratch Programming which is something that is not very common in Nigeria. My immense gratitude goes to the organizers of the event for the golden opportunity.” Rahmah Idris Abdulaziz-Government Science Secondary School, Maitama

“The visit to NIGCOMSAT was indeed an eye opener. I leant about satellite, and the types of satellite and its classification. I have also leant how to type on the Microsoft Word Office for the first time. A very big thank you to the organizers of this event.” Zainab Sani Halilu-Government Girls Secondary School, Kuje

“ This has been a very educative experience. For the students, the exposure has been overwhelming. As an ICT Teacher, I have gained more in using ICT as a tool to disseminate information and enhance knowledge. I shall organize a step down activity in the school to share the experience with other students, especially members of the ICT Cub. We thank the organizers of the event for getting this programme across to the students and look forward to more activities.” Nusirat Atoyebi-Teacher, Government Science & Technical College, Area 3, Garki

The President/CEO of Youth Initiative for Sustainable Human Development in Africa (YiSHDA), Joseph Emmanuel Yaba in his remark said that “ Education is a fundamental right for girl child in Nigeria, and technology opens doors to better opportunity for the girl child. Information and Communication Technology today plays a vital role in bringing about desired change in every sector of life. As a youth organization, we believe that when girls are connected to the world through technology, they are connected to a world of opportunity.”