Youth for Technology Foundation Announces Plans to Train 6,000 Nigerian Girls in Technology like 3D Printing

While we often groan over so many of the overused adjectives and bits of jargon heard in the 3D printing industry on a constant and sometimes excruciating basis—from the revolutionary to the cutting edge—there is one word I lean on constantly: inspirational. Yes, we can get out that handy thesaurus and shoot for other adjectives, but when you truly explore the impacts this technology is having on so many different realms, in nearly every corner of this vast world, I think you’ll agree that you are inspired. And most likely even more so upon hearing the latest from the Youth for Technology Foundation, announced at the 2016 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting and Commitment to Action.

The goal is to train 6,000 individuals in skills such as 3D printing. These aren’t just any students though. The foundation wants to train girls in Nigeria who are actually not in school or able to attend classes right now and who have also endured—or are currently at risk for—human trafficking. A vile form of human slavery, both adults and children are kidnapped, beaten, sold, and sexually exploited, forced to do hard labor, and more—and according to the FBI, this criminal activity knows ‘no demographic restrictions.’

With this training, girls will be able to earn confidence, first of all. Second, they will be introduced to trades where girls still, no matter the part of the world, often get left behind. These girls will also:

• Earn trade certifications
• Gain employment-ready skills
• Benefit from mentorship in both employment and entrepreneurial settings

According to the Youth for Technology Foundation, they will be trained in:

• Basic literacy and numeracy education
• Financial inclusion education
• Business capabilities
• Worldwide access to steady employment through online marketplaces
• Leadership and entrepreneurship skills

“Every day, we see firsthand that technology levels the playing field for girls,” said Njideka Harry, YTF president and CEO. “Technology provides equal access to in-demand 21st century jobs. Our commitment at CGI includes training in 3D printing, an industry forecasted to grow to as much as $30 billion by 2025. We believe this is a powerful catalyst for girls to create their own online businesses to market their digital skills or products, access employment globally, escape poverty and experience true financial freedom.”

All of the training will happen at the YTF digital hubs in Nigeria with ‘master trainers.’ The girls will have other female role models to look up to there as they work with STEM professionals who are women, as well as industry experts and entrepreneurs as mentors.

Harry will be offering more information at the CGI Annual Meeting, presenting ‘Connectivity,’ and discussing how closing the gap in education such as digital technologies will have a strong impact on not only our societies, but also the economy.

Other organizations will also be involved as YTF works with entities such as those providing training on sexual and reproductive health rights education, and even apprenticeships at nearby businesses. The non-profit organization’s valuable work is supported by government, learning institutions, other foundations, and also social services agencies and other management committees. These partnerships allow for funding, public relations, help with finding jobs for the individuals they are training, and also in providing experienced mentors.

This program is projected to begin by the first half of next year, as they work to bring forth new business leaders and designers in technology.

CGI Annual Meetings have an extremely impressive track records, bringing together heads of state, Nobel prize winners, CEOs, and many others who have much experience to bring to such events. They have so far made more than 3,500 Commitments to Action, which have improved the lives of over 430 million people in more than 180 countries. Discuss further in the 3D Printing in Nigeria forum over at 3DPB.com.