Innocent Mbanda is a social entrepreneur and founder of Igire Rwanda Foundation, an organisation that works with youth to help them become self-reliant socio-economically, through entrepreneurship, capacity building and varied opportunities.

One of their projects is the SheCan Code programme that was initiated this year. It mainly empowers women and young girls to join the digital economy and also have access to digital skills.

He talked to Sunday Magazine’s Sharon Kantengwa about his organisation’s achievements and plans.

What inspired the SheCan Code programme?

I started by having a passion for technology. While at university, the girls were very few compared to the boys. Seeing how technology now controls our daily life, but also how women and girls don’t have access compared to men, I sought ways to bridge the gap and include more girls in the tech industry, supporting the country’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

How do you see the future of girls in technology, in this country?

The future is bright for them, only if they work hard and if more initiatives and projects that support girls in technology are put in place. Our goal for next year is to set up an entrepreneurship hub specifically for women, and to start outreach in secondary schools so we can support them from a young age.

What can you say you have achieved so far that you are proud of?

We have trained over 70 girls at our training center and more than 100 girls on our online platform, in partnership with Progate, a Japanese company. We also work with the US Embassy in Rwanda and other Japanese companies, and plan to expand partnerships next year.

What has challenged you the most?

One challenge is limited space. The US Embassy provides us training space, but since it’s shared, we have to cut down training hours and curriculum. Our dream is to have our own 24/7 training center with internet access and mentorship opportunities. Another challenge is that many girls from poor backgrounds do not have computers. We want to provide access to both equipment and soft skills such as leadership and teamwork, enabling them to compete internationally.

Are there any other plans?

We’ve received feedback that our students are competent in technical skills but still need improvement in soft skills like teamwork and leadership. Next year, we’ll introduce a curriculum covering these skills, open to both women and men, including fresh graduates.

What would you tell young people that are looking to be tech savvy?

To be innovative and use technology to provide solutions that our communities need. The youth must step up and innovate more impactful projects.

Source: editorial@newtimes.co.rw