Welcome to the Spotlight series which will be featured on this blog and its corresponding YouTube channel! The series will feature people and/or organisations that are doing their bit (no matter how big or small) to give back in some form or the other to society – people and the environment. There is a lot of complaining going on about societal challenges; and the motivation behind this series is to firstly, show that there are people who actually care and are putting their concern into action; and secondly, to encourage people who would like to do more and support such causes.
The first in the series is Afro-Tech girls (ATG)! ATG is a non-profit that encourage girls to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers. ATG was founded by Deola Shasanya, Yvonne Allanah and Morenike Johnson – 3 trail-blazing engineers working in Electrical, Mechanical and Chemical fields respectively. Two of their three founders were available so I had a chat with them about the inspiration for, and operation of their organisation. Here’s the video:
As engineering students all the 3 founders were one of few “token” females in their classes. This “tokenism” carried on into their working lives. Through ATG, they believe that more young Nigerian girls will be encouraged to engage in STEM fields; and they hope this will reduce the gender disparity in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. I say “Yay them!” ATG was founded this year and has so far:
– Organised a math and science quiz competition (Sciletes Competition) for senior secondary school girls in Lagos with the aim of encouraging them to take such subjects even more seriously and consider embarking on further studies in them.
– Put together an essay competition for girls from the ages of 13 to 18 to recruit students for the Lagos Power Kids programme organised by the Lagos State Energy Board.
– Selected and enrolled 2o girls in the Lagos Power Kids Solar Boot Camp
And this is just the beginning for them. ATG is developing a mentorship platform to provide young girls with actual role models in STEM fields. They also hope to begin scholarship schemes hat will motivate young girls to attain their dreams. It’s all so wonderful and they have my full support.
I’m sure the ATG ladies would love to hear from you – ideas, suggestions, volunteering possibilities, or any other support you’d like to offer. Go AfroTech Girls!
Connect with them on (just click the linked words):
Stay tuned for more features! And if you have any suggestions for organisations/people that you think should be on this please leave a comment or email me at tamiloreoni@gmail.com.
xoxo
IMPERFECT 
Reblogged this on Yagz Journey.
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Awesome post!!! Hope I am not biased 🙂
Thanks for believing in the ATG vision and bringing us to the Spotlight.
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Haha, thanks. A little bit of bias is allowed. Not at all. Keep the vision moving! Xoxo
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Hmnn… A great initiative by founders. Keep it up ladies. I know it’s a gal thing (LOL) but we the guys are there if any support is needed!
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I agree. I’m sure they will! Haha, guys are definitely welcome to lend support (feel free to get in touch via their website or social media). Thank you! xoxo
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