Empowering the Future: The Success of EveryGirl 2.0 Girl Connect

At KSH Foundation, our dedication to leveraging technology and the internet for early development inspired the inception of the EveryGirl program. EveryGirl 2.0 Girl Connect is the second iteration of the EveryGirl program aimed at empowering young women between the ages of 14 - 21 in underserved communities. Comprising several key components, including, application processes, participant projects, device enablement, and group mentorship sessions, EveryGirl focused on empowering participants to be internet savvy, facilitating continued education, livelihood opportunities, and personal development.

The EveryGirl 2.0 program saw the participation of 300 girls. Among them, 15 fellows were selected for the immersion experience and were equipped with laptops. The KSH Foundation partnered with 10 non-profits and tech hubs across Nigeria for the successful execution of the program’s mission.

Temilola Ajayi Foundation (Ekiti), Global Shaper (Kano), Bayelsa Tech Hub, StartHub Women (Uyo), Women in Data Science Worldwide (WiDS), Abuja, The Nest Innovation Technology Park (Lagos), Akure Tech Hub, Steamledge Community (Kano), Girls Education Mission International (Jos), and Access Initiative (Gombe), we deeply appreciate their collaboration and support.

The EveryGirl project is structured in two phases; the virtual phase and the immersion. While the immersion phase is the project's highlight, the program's structure was set up to accommodate and empower as many young women as possible. In the immersion, our fellows were able to connect with experienced tech and business professionals and experience life in a new environment and at a different pace, amidst continued learning. They learned about teamwork, how to tackle competition, and put their personal experience to good use for business growth. All of these were aimed and designed to shift their perspectives and encourage them to pursue careers and passions they once only imagined.

"The EveryGirl experience was something I never thought I would have, given my background. I worked hard to attend virtual sessions while juggling my job as a cleaning aid and helping my mom at the market. Each class was an eye-opener, and I promise to become a light to others like EveryGirl was to me." - Chidimma Peter, EveryGirl fellow.

At KSH Foundation, we believe collaboration is essential, as impactful work cannot be accomplished by a single party. In addition to the hubs and non-profits mentioned earlier, the EveryGirl program saw the support of other local and national businesses. The CANs Park and Bravort Institute made their training spaces available. RomZaib Foundation, B.O.S.S Workshop, and SkillTensive curated info sessions that motivated the fellows. Saffron Culinary Company, Gardenia, and the Breakfast Company provided the fellows with an experience of local and intercontinental meals. Tutors who impacted the fellows with knowledge and made themselves available for future reference. The collective effort of all stakeholders contributed to EveryGirl’s success.

We remain committed to building a community of connected young women and will continue to do so with the upcoming EveryGirl 3.0. We implore you, individuals and organizations to support us by collaborating, volunteering as mentors and tutors, sharing our impact, and connecting us with potential funders.