In 2021, the WIA Code programme was launched in Kigali, Rwanda, in collaboration with Clifford Chance.
WIA Code Rwanda stands to benefit a group of 30 young girls from one school in Kigali. This initiative, launched on March 13, 2021, aims at training young girls with the digital skills needed for the future. By training young girls in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) programme, Women in Africa and Clifford Chance aim to support the next generation of digital innovators on the African continent.
Programme
After three months of coding training, including an introduction to HTML and CSS languages, computer and digital tools, the girls from Kigali, Kicukiro district, receive a personalized mentoring programme with volunteer mentors from Clifford Chance around the world.
The objective of Women In Africa and Clifford Chance is to support their progression in skills by focusing on the following areas: moral support, listening, methodology and career guidance to help them grow and succeed. As a result, 46 volunteers from the Clifford Chance network are paired with students to set goals, share experiences, track their progress and guide them to achieve a series of goals.
Mentors ans mentees of the programme
« I work for Clifford Chance in Paris. I did some mentoring when I lived in London and found the amazing girls I met so inspiring. When I saw there was an opportunity to do some mentoring with schoolgirls in Rwanda, I jumped at the chance. We have so much we can learn from one another and I can’t wait to start the process. »
– Gail Orton
« My favorite school’s subjects are maths and economy. In 10 years, I see myself as being a Chief in the Police. To me, this training is useful to help me build my future. I expect to learn how to create a website. I feel amazing about joining this training! »
– Jacqueline
« As a British-African female who has been fortunate enough to have been educated and forge a successful career for myself in the UK, I feel it is my duty to share some of the skills I have learnt over the years and to ‘give back’ to those less fortunate than myself, who are proactively and admirably seeking opportunities. This could very easily have been my story. »
– Kalela Mwenya
« I wanted to get involved in the mentoring programme as it was an opportunity to give back and help young girls build up their confidence and encourage them to be anything they would like to be. I also thought I could discuss any hurdles or issues they may face as they navigate the workplace when the time comes. »
– Mary Fayinka
« My goal is to be a business woman in technology. WIA Code programme is an opportunity to learn how to use computers and apps but also learn how to code. »
– Emelyne
« I am a male working in law in England, having got this position mostly due to being lucky with the social and educational opportunities I received. I think hard skills, education, and confidence can really transform lives and communities, so I wanted to volunteer with a demographic that can most benefit from these things. »
– Philipp Ershov
Closing Ceremony and Graduation
