eHA Academy Graduates Share
Journey to Becoming Tech Experts
In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, the need for skilled professionals to navigate the digital landscape becomes increasingly apparent. In recent times, not all graduates of Information Communications Technology have the opportunity to have practical experience of the theoretical knowledge garnered from classes.
As mentioned by Jamil Galadanci, a Senior Manager, Global Health Informatics at ehealth Africa, we have a lot of graduates from higher institutions who are talented but do not have hands-on skills because all they learned was theoretically based, with little practice. He decried the state of young graduates saying, “when some of these graduates conclude their studies, they are often not employable and they end up wasting their skills and talents so we want to enable them realize their full potential in ICT.”
Recognizing this demand, eHealth Africa (eHA) established its Academy in 2016, aiming to bridge the technical skills gap among young technology enthusiasts across Africa. Through an eight-week curriculum focusing on software development and network engineering, the academy equips its graduates with the tools and knowledge necessary to tackle healthcare challenges and thrive in the digital age. “From the skills the graduates have gotten from the academy, they can provide digital and data-driven solutions in sectors like health, agriculture, finance, and others,” Galadanchi said.
The most recent graduates from the Academy shared their stories of resilience and sacrifice as they journeyed through the tedious but impactful Academy, each sharing unique insights into their expectations, challenges, and triumphs.
Fatima Mustapha: Embracing Challenges Necessary for Growth
For Fatima Mustapha, an MSc student of information technology, it's the difficult but necessary challenge of competing priorities; going through the rigors of the Academy alongside the murky academic waters. Having read and seen success stories of other graduates, Fatima joined the academy with high expectations. Witnessing the achievements of previous cohorts fueled her determination to be part of this transformative experience.
While words like Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), HTML, Javascripts, Figma among other terms may not be new to her due to her academic experience, having direct practical experience and immersing herself remained an inspiring challenge. Despite the demanding schedule balancing academy courses and university exams, she persevered, ultimately honing her time management skills and emerging victorious. ‘’eHA Academy is a dream come true for me because I can boldly write codes now’’, she said.
Elijah Ishaku: Transiting From Passive Tech Consumer to Active Creator
For Elijah Ishaku, a full time staff with the help desk department of ehealth Africa, the academy was an opportunity to delve into the world of software engineering. His journey was marked by a profound shift in perspective, transitioning from a passive consumer of digital content to an active creator. Learning the nuances of CSS proved to be a highlight, as Elijah discovered the art of transforming functional structures into visually captivating experiences. Through persistence and guidance, he overcame challenges, solidifying his belief in becoming a Full Stack Developer. He said, ‘’It has been my dream to go into software engineering, this is the first step for me to venture into that dream’’.
Francis Ojapa Emmanuel: Determination and Resilience
As a budding software developer, Francis Ojapa Emmanuel entered the academy with a clear goal: to acquire the knowledge needed for software development. Despite facing network glitches and data consumption challenges, his determination never wavered. Mastering HTML, CSS, and JavaScript within a few months was a testament to his unwavering dedication. Francis surprised himself by designing a personal website, showcasing the transformative power of determination and resilience.
Murja Amadi Kurfi: Mastering the Art of
Web Development Murja Amadi Kurfi's journey through the academy centered on mastering front-end development. Through engaging courses and hands-on projects, she honed her coding skills, creating dynamic and visually appealing websites. Debugging complex JavaScript code posed challenges, but Murja's persistence and collaborative spirit propelled her forward. The culmination of her efforts resulted in the development of sleek and functional websites, demonstrating her prowess in web development.
Conclusion: Empowering the Next Generation of Technological Innovators
The stories of Fatima, Elijah, Francis, Murja and about 20 other graduates of the 5th cohort offer a glimpse into the transformative power of eHealth Africa's Academy. Beyond acquiring technical skills, the academy fosters personal and professional growth, instilling resilience, determination, and a passion for innovation. As these graduates embark on their professional journeys, they stand as testament to the academy's mission: to empower communities, inspire aspiring developers, and address healthcare challenges through cutting-edge solutions. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the need for skilled professionals has never been greater. Through initiatives like eHA's Academy, Africa's next generation of technological innovators are equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, transforming visions into reality and shaping a brighter future for all.
As technology continues to reshape our world, initiatives like the eHealth Africa Academy play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. Through dedication and resilience, individuals like Fatima, Elijah, Francis, and Murja embody the spirit of progress and possibility, driving positive change in their communities and beyond. In the dynamic landscape of technology, the journey never truly ends. With each challenge overcome and each milestone achieved, the eHealth Africa Academy graduates embark on new adventures, armed with the knowledge, skills, and determination to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.