Author Archives: iKapture Networks

The objective of the 2021 Digital Skill-up Bootcamp was to educate and equip young children aged 4 -18 with relevant 21st-century digital skills needed to thrive in the digital world today.

During the last two weeks of July, the iKapture team visited over 10 schools to sensitize students on the need for digital skills acquisition. The sensitization was also made at media houses and social media pages.

Amazingly, the 2021 DSB featured a digital Crèche with kids less than 5 years old. These young minds were trained on basic computer literacy, Microsoft Office (Word and Powerpoint) and digital communications. The Senior category (age 6 – 18) were excited to learn additional and interactive digital skills such as programming, paper prototype, whiteboard animation, HTML, WordPress and Scratch animations. Soft skills and personal skills were not left out as participants learned public speaking, team building/communication and goal setting. Due to the need to stay secure from cyber harm, the program featured a session on Cyber safety tips for kids anchored by one of our partners, the Cybersafe Foundation. In the course of the training, participants worked on various projects which were presented during the graduation celebration event.

During the graduation celebration, parents had the pleasure of excitedly watching their wards present their digital projects. One parent particularly expressed her unreserved excitement when her daughter showed her how to create a mobile application. This and many other positive reports were what we got. The celebration event was marked by gift-giving of back-to-school items and awards of certificates to the participants, volunteers and facilitators. 

During the graduation event the participants gave positive feedback, here are a few:

My favorite session at the program was the White Board Animation, I always looked forward  this class, I have become proficient In it and I look forward to learning it further next year. – Emmanuel Egwin,  DSB class of 2021

It was awesome this year, I learnt Scratch, Canva, HTML, Ebook publishing. I enjoyed myself so much, that I can’t wait for next year. –Lorayne Ike- Ibekie, DSB class of 2021

I liked all the moments at the Digital skill-up program, my favorite programs were HTML, JavaScript and CSS, I want to learn drone making next year.  – Nathan Bassey, DSB class of 2021

The heartwarming feedback will inform the offering of the 2022 Digital Skill-Up Bootcamp. At iKapture, we are more than happy to work with children towards achieving their dreams of becoming digital experts in the future.

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Technovation Girls challenge equips young women (ages 10-18) to become tech entrepreneurs and leaders. With the support of volunteer and mentors, girls work in teams to code mobile apps that address real-world problems. This annual competition is hosted in the South South region of Nigeria by iKapture Centre for Development with support from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and American Space Calabar.

The journey began in January, 2021. Secondary schools and after-school centers in Cross River State were visited as well as those in Abia, Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi State to brief them about the program. With the support of the school administrations and their mentors, over 250 girls accepted our challenge to form teams, identify and solve real-world problems in their communities through technology and entrepreneurship. With the guidance of their mentors, they spent about five months participating in the program: learning how to code and create mobile apps to solve community problems like poor quality of education, lack of healthcare services, fake food products and more. 

However, the success of the program would not have been possible without the support of the regional ambassador, Grace Ihejiamaizu and the over 35 mentors who worked with teams from start to finish, providing the resources and motivation they needed to complete their projects and members of the organizing team for step-by-step guidance throughout the timeline. In her opening address, the current Executive Director of iKapture Centre for Development, Mrs. Juliet Inyang, said “the Technovation program is one of the yearly ingenious programs offered by iKapture Centre for Development among others like Academic tutorials, Digital Summer Bootcamp and YLead Fellowship. We encourage you parents and guardian to take advantages of these program by enrolling your wards. Thinking of technology? Think Technovation… At iKapture, your young girls are the future of Tech!”.

The celebration with about 300 people in attendance including participants, teachers, mentors, parents, guests and volunteers was aimed at bringing girls together, inspiring and encouraging them to take on more tech studies and competitions.

The Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Betta Edu, Cross River State Commissioner for Health, whose presence was graciously enjoyed by all, encouraged the participants to practice innovative thinking as the world is transforming rapidly with technology.

The event was graced by other dignitaries and notable personalities in Cross River State such as Engr. Dr. Mrs. Faithpraise Otosi (Pioneer HOD of Computer Engineering, UNICAL), Mr. Patrick Ndifon (CEO of Psifon), Hon. Emmanuel Etim (SSA to the Governor on Youth Affairs, CRS), and Mr. Elisha  Agbama (CEO of 525 System). The guest speakers and panelists gave enjoyable warmth as they commended the effort of the sponsors and organizers of Technovation and enjoined that empowerment be continued for the girl-child. The girls were urged to become tech savvy, grabbing every learning opportunity as it comes. 

Excitement could be seen in the faces of all, as awards were given to participating schools, mentors, and dignitaries. The event ended with everyone celebrating and grateful to the Technovation Girls Nigeria.

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Over the years, young people have been described to be the leaders of tomorrow, uncertain about what tomorrow holds which is why iKapture Centre for Development has invested the last 9 years in ensuring that young people are better equipped to be the leaders of our present times.

This year, due to the pandemic, many organizations have been forced to adapt to the new normal. Organizations have adapted through a shift from physical convenings, conferences, and engagements to virtual versions of these programmes and initiatives which have the potential to reach a wider audience.

The YLEAD Fellowship as the flagship program of iKapture Centre for Development has impacted young people in the South-South region of Nigeria over the last 9 years. To mark the 10th Anniversary, the YLEAD 2020 fellowship program held virtually hosting over 24 participants from across 9 states in Nigeria.

The Virtual program provided a platform for young people to learn from experienced thought leaders, share knowledge with changemakers, and also create meaningful networks. Participants were exposed to 1 week of training, 2 weeks of internship with top organizations in Nigeria, a Business Simulation Exercise which encouraged an entrepreneurial drive for the participants, and a 1-month Mentorship program with experienced leaders in various industries. The program recorded remarkable success as participants gave their honest feedback on the program

The world is evolving as fast as possible with its speed as that of light, only those who are innovative are worth the tasks ahead. Life is beyond survival for the fittest, it is all wrapped by living a life of impact and purpose, “What do you have to offer”. The business simulation taught me this. – Akinlose Titilayo. YLEAD Class of 2020

I learned a whole lot of things, the internship and business spaces taught me resilience, perseverance, how to work with people in an office or work environment, and teamwork as I had to work with a team to make our business idea pull through, I learned how to manage my time, the risks in business and to maximize profit. I also learned that in business you can start with little or nothing so the issue of huge capital to start up shouldn’t be a problem.- Azuh Jennifer, YLEAD CLass of 2020

The YLEAD Program has been very practical. I have been given the rare opportunity to learn, practice, and grow. I’m super grateful to all our amazing facilitators,  business coaches, mentors, YLEAD Program Coordinator, and iKapture Networks for this wonderful opportunity to be a part of this great program.- Destiny Aniyom, YLEAD Class of 2020

My YLEAD Journey has been an exciting one as I have learned a lot and most importantly met new amazing people – Okoro Peter Chibuike, YLEAD Class of 2020.

In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the flagship program and graduation ceremony, the organization held its Virtual Anniversary Conference on the 13th of November with young people across Nigeria in attendance. The Keynote address was delivered by Wadi Ben-Hirki, Executive Director of Wadi Ben-Hirki Foundation on the theme Leadership & Entrepreneurship: Strengthening Youth Participation, she said “In order to strengthen youth participation, there is a need to map out and build strong networks and partnerships with key stakeholders needed to achieve your goals and objectives.

Our Guest speakers who spoke on various sub-themes include Joseph Etim Founder of Young People Connect Africa encouraged young people to leverage opportunities by starting with what is already available and within reach, Sani Muhammed, Executive Director Bridge Connect Africa Initiative also admonished young people that as a social entrepreneur it is important to build and maintain social relationships and collaborative partnerships, Ngunan Ioron Executive Director Samuel Ioron Foundation who gave a presentation on Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Young Leaders encouraged entrepreneurs not to be totally dependent on others but rather garner knowledge about the product they want to launch or develop.

The virtual conference gave young people and the graduands a sense of clarity and direction. Graduands were presented with certificates and also awarded for their outstanding performance.

The YLEAD CLASS OF 2020 Participants are;

About iKAPTURE CENTRE FOR DEVELOPMENT & YLEAD FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM:

iKapture Centre for Development is a nonprofit youth organization committed to raising the next generation of socially aware leaders and tech-savvy entrepreneurs in Africa. Now in its 10th year, iKapture’s flagship project, YLEAD, has reached over 500 young people with support from Michelle Obama’s Young African Women Leaders’ Forum Small Grants, British Council’s Global Changemakers, U.S. Department of State Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), Ashoka’s Youth Venture and the American Corner Calabar.

The Youth Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Development (YLEAD) Fellowship is an immersive capacity building program designed to educate, engage, and equip young people with skills to prepare them for the world of work and transition from school to career. This four-week leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal development program is designed for students and secondary school graduates as well as out-of-school youth in Nigeria.