A leading global chip makers, Intel Corporation, has supported the fi rst-ever technology camp for girls in Nigeria.
The camp, set up by the Women's Technology Empowerment Centre, is a two-week technology education and mentoring programme designed to help girls develop an early interest in computers and other information technology.
Intel has over the years supported several girl-child education initiatives investing in technology-based programmes in education and digital literacy, and has championed the empowerment of women and girls, around the world.
Working together with its wide range of partners across Africa and the world, Intel has created and supported innovative solutions to remove gender-based barriers to education and technology, and to build a fl ourishing future fi lled with opportunities for girls and women.
Speaking on the initiative, the Executive Director of the Women's Technology Empowerment Centre, Oreoluwa Somolu, explained that the technology camp examines a variety of strategies that enable female students maximise their learning experiences and make them better equipped to pursue careers in technology.
"In the long term, we hope to achieve a signifi cant increase in the number of technology literate Nigerian women that will ultimately deploy the knowledge they have for productive learning, professional and leadership activities. We also hope to increase the number of women creating and developing new technology and content," she stated.
The camp has run consistently for fi ve years, throwing its doors open to secondary school students all over Nigeria and involving them in activities such as graphic design, movie-making, web design and introduction to programming.
During the camp, the girls also participate in technology workshops and leadership activities for an all-round experience.
On the partnership, Country Manager, Intel, Olubunmi Ekundare, said, "Here at Intel, we believe that girls, when afforded the opportunity, can make more signifi cant impact around the globe through positive leadership and impact in and around their communities and indeed the world. These for us, are the beliefs that drive Intel's programs to inspire and empower women and girls around the world."
According to him, Intel believes that access to education and technology must become a global, fundamental right for girls and women.
The company's initiatives and wide network of partners, he added, has provided girls with the opportunities for quality education and personal growth through technology, scholarships, and community learning programs.
Speaking to the gathering on several initiatives by Intel to support young girls in pursuing a career along the fi elds of Science and Technology, the Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Intel West Africa, Adim Isiakpona, reinforced the company's commitment to educating and empowering girls.
"Here at Intel, we believe that access to technology education and its opportunities are the keys that will open the doors to profi table careers and an avenue for these girls to give back to their respective fi elds in Science and Technology.
"We have over the years championed initiatives such as Intel Learn, Intel Teach and Intel Easy Steps among others have provided girls and women with opportunities for quality education and personal growth."
