US Consulate Partners with Foundation to Train 100 Nigerian Women 

The United State Consulate in Nigeria is partnering with a non profit organisation, known as Lifefount Foundation, to support women and girls to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

This will help them to contribute to he economic growth of their communities.

The Information Officer, US Embassy, Abuja, Jeanne Clarke, gave the assurance at the opening ceremony of the US Consulate STEMSTEPS Entrepreneurship and Digital Technology programme, held at the American Corner, IACD, Magazine Road, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Addressing the participants at the programme, Clarke explained that STEM education remained  the key foundation for any country’s economic success.

She stressed that the relevance of STEM education in any field of human endeavour cannot be overemphasised.

Clarke noted: “Without women inclusion and participation, anything about economic growth and development, as well as advances in science and technology, will be lopsided and unsustainable. It is critical that we hear women’s voices at all levels. Whether at home or abroad, promoting women in STEM fields is a top priority of the US Government.”

She urged participants to make the best of the opportunity provided by the training to develop themselves and in turn contribute to the economic growth of Nigeria.

Digital Technology Skills

In her remark, the convener of the programme, Dr Yemisi Adeyeye, Managing Director of Lifefount Hospital and Foundation, and US International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) Impact Awards recipient, said the aim was to empower participants with digital technology skills.

She said the some of the skills include but are not limited to, web development training, machine learning, data analysis and social media marketing, among others.

Adeyeye stated: “STEMSTEPS is a 3-month women empowerment programme established to empower female graduates and final year students of STEM disciplines with digital technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills.

“The effort is targeted at reducing unemployment and increasing employability. The STEMSTEPS programme will also provide participants the opportunity to interact and learn from successful business entrepreneurs through physical and virtual training activities,” she added.

The programme is implemented by Lifefount Foundation, a health, education, and empowerment non-profit organisation, established by Dr Yemisi Adeyeye, in partnership with technology organisations,  including Code School Africa, Maselly and Kiddiesdroid, to train and mentor participants.

Confidence Okwuchi