The 7-day THRIVE Girls in STEM Programme, designed and implemented by the Nigerian nonprofit Thrive Above and Beyond Foundation, offered an intensive, learner-focused experience for girls aged 16 to 20. Hosted in a Montessori-style bootcamp format, the initiative delivered hands-on training in key digital skills while promoting creativity, confidence, and leadership in science and technology fields.
Bridging the Gender Gap in Tech
Through collaborative support from programme partners including Wema Bank and Sara by Wema, participants were exposed to the fundamentals of data organization, text formatting, HTML basics, and interactive web design, along with critical topics such as web accessibility and optimization. Each training session was structured to promote problem-solving, teamwork, and independent thinking.
Participants also received tech starter kits, digital devices, and internet-enabled learning resources to support their continued growth beyond the classroom—tools made possible through the generosity of Thrive Foundation and its partners.
The bootcamp concluded with a project showcase, where students presented real-world tech solutions, applying what they had learned to demonstrate how technology can solve everyday problems. This final challenge not only tested their skills but reinforced confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
A Shared Vision for Impact
Yemisi Owonubi, Head of Masterbrand, Communications, and CSR at Interswitch, highlighted the alignment between the programme and the company’s mission:
“At Interswitch, we believe in a prosperous Africa, powered by our youth. We are proud to support initiatives that not only equip young people with essential STEM skills but also help close the gender gap in tech. Programmes like this are deeply aligned with our CSR priorities, and we’ll continue to invest in platforms that shape the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.”
Bolaji John, Founder of the Thrive Above and Beyond Foundation, emphasized the programme's broader vision:
“The THRIVE Girls in STEM Programme is about more than coding—it’s about cultivating leadership, curiosity, and innovation. Our goal is to demystify STEM for young girls, especially in underserved communities, and inspire them to become architects of their own future.”
Sustained Commitment to Youth and Innovation
The initiative builds on Interswitch’s long-standing commitment to youth empowerment, digital literacy, and innovation. Notably, the company continues to invest in impactful platforms like InterswitchSPAK, its flagship pan-African CSR programme aimed at nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders.
By backing programmes like THRIVE Girls in STEM, Interswitch and its partners are not only building capacity but also dismantling barriers to entry for girls in science and technology, ensuring a more inclusive and prosperous digital future for Africa.
To learn more about Thrive Above and Beyond Foundation’s work, visit their website or follow them on social media @thriveaboveandbeyond.