New Makerspace Inaugurated to Enhance Career Prospects
On Thursday, March 27th, the Empowering Africans through Education Initiative (EAE) successfully unveiled its state-of-the-art 25-square-meter learning space. This marks a significant milestone in its mission to equip youth with crucial skills for the future. This newly launched facility, located in Lagos, is designed to foster education and innovation, with a special emphasis on empowering young women through technology and entrepreneurship.
For further details, check out the full press release here
At the heart of the new training center are two pivotal spaces: the Be-MINT training room and the makerspace. Be-MINT is a 12-week, intensive program aimed at high-school graduates aged 18 to 24 from low-income families. The program focuses on providing hands-on IT training and entrepreneurial skills, unlocking new economic opportunities and preparing participants for the challenges of the modern, technology-driven job market.
This initiative is set to impact 400 young people, with a particular focus on increasing female participation in STEM fields. The program is sponsored by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and is being implemented through a collaboration between the internationally renowned Siemens Stiftung and EAE.
At the heart of this initiative is the new makerspace, a hub designed to drive educational advancement. Equipped with cutting-edge 3D technologies, tools, and materials, the makerspace enables participants to turn their ideas into tangible prototypes. Additionally, the space offers access to Hours of Engineering, a cloud-based software from Siemens Digital Industries, providing an intuitive introduction to computer-aided design (CAD) and Artificial Intelligence tools. These technologies ensure that participants gain a competitive edge in the market, preparing them for careers in the tech-driven workforce.
Beyond the direct benefits for students, the makerspace also plays a vital role in the broader educational community. A total of 160 teachers will undergo training in the makerspace, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to integrate innovative practices into their own classrooms. This ensures that the impact of the program will extend far beyond the initial cohort of participants, influencing an entire generation of students.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will receive certification from the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce (AHK) in Nigeria, validating their training to German standards. This internationally recognized certification will significantly enhance their career prospects, opening doors to exciting job opportunities in various sectors.
As this initiative grows, it will continue to impact more lives, equip young Africans with the skills they need, and contribute to a stronger, more competitive workforce.