By Cynthia Alo

Junior Achievement Nigeria, JAN, has announced a collaboration with Junior Achievement Africa and Johnson & Johnson to expand the Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Manufacturing, and Design (WiSTEM2D) innovation camps initiative to Nigeria.

WiSTEM2D’s primary goal is to ignite the curiosity and engagement of young African girls in utilizing (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) concepts to tackle pressing social challenges.

The innovation camp comprises a series of interactive exercises, complete with comprehensive instructions and student materials, empowering staff members and community leaders to deliver hands-on learning experiences to young women and girls aged 12 to 18, both locally and globally.

The camp is set to take place on October 6, 2023 and seeks to impact 100 girls in Nigeria.

The camp’s agenda includes a lineup of activities such as panel discussions featuring accomplished women from Johnson & Johnson, speed mentoring sessions, networking opportunities, workshops on design thinking led by a guest facilitator, an innovation and design thinking challenge, and presentations of solutions developed by the participating girls, organized into various groups. The camp will also culminate in an awards ceremony and certification presentation.

Speaking about the program, Foluso Gbadamosi, the Executive Director of JAN, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “With immense enthusiasm, we are ready to witness a groundbreaking transformation in the future of Africa’s innovation through the WiSTEM2D initiative. We are equipping young African females for the evolving landscape of work.

‘‘This innovation camp serves as a platform for converging STEM concepts and societal challenges, resulting in the development of solution-oriented leaders and a more equitable world.

‘‘At Junior Achievement Nigeria, we are proud to be part of this monumental journey alongside Johnson & Johnson, collaborating to bridge the gender divide, dismantle barriers, and unleash an unstoppable wave of talent, not only for Nigeria but for the entire world.”