Bright Futures: The Journey of Gerardine
Gerardine’s journey from a secondary school student to a software engineering student is an inspiring story of resilience, passion, and the power of opportunity. With Komera’s support, she has overcome immense challenges and is now on a path to making a lasting impact in the tech industry!
A New Beginning
Meet Gerardine, a remarkable young woman whose journey with Komera is a testament to the power of education and support. Gerardine’s story begins as a secondary school student studying Mathematics, Economics, Geography (MEG), a path she embarked on that would change her life and the lives of those around her!
Overcoming Challenges
Growing up in a family of seven, Gerardine lived with her mother, grandfather, and siblings. For Gerardine and her family, pursuing upper level secondary education was a dream that seemed unatainable. With limited resources, her mother never imagined that she would be able to send her daughter to secondary school. When Gerardine was accepted into Komera’s secondary school scholarship program, her mother described the moment as a miracle. Overwhelmed with happiness, Gerardine felt a newfound sense of possibility and hope for not just her future, but her family’s future!
A Life-Changing Opportunity
Komera’s support has been life-changing for Gerardine. Not only did Komera cover her needs to continue her education throughout secondary school, Komera was also able to support her in her journey to university! First, Gerardine was giving the unique opportunity to train at AkiraChix in Kenya. This one-year training program was a pivotal moment in her journey, marking her entry into the world of technology (more on this below). After that program Gerardine was accepted into the University of Integrated Science and Technology (UNILAK), marking her entry into the world of technology.
Discovering Technology
In 2021, Gerardine attended AkiraChix, where her understanding of software development was transformed. Before this experience, she had little exposure to programming or the tech industry. The transition into a technical environment was daunting, but the excitement of problem-solving and the thrill of creating something new ignited her passion for technology.
During her time at AkiraChix, Gerardine immersed herself in various programming languages, including Kotlin, Python, and JavaScript. She also learned essential technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Amazon Web Services (AWS). In addition to coding, she developed a keen interest in User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) design, where she discovered the importance of creating user-centered applications. This new perspective allowed her to appreciate how thoughtful design influences user experience and engagement.
Building a Bright Future
Each skill she acquired opened a world of possibilities and deepened her passion for software development. Through her training, she realized that coding is not merely about writing lines of code; it’s about critical thinking, creativity, and solving complex problems. The knowledge and skills Gerardine gained at AkiraChix have been invaluable in her studies at UNILAK, providing a solid foundation for her coursework and enabling her to excel in software engineering.
Looking Ahead
Gerardine’s journey is far from over. As she continues her studies at UNILAK, she is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Inspired by her experiences and the skills she has acquired, she looks forward to contributing to the tech industry. Her vision extends beyond personal success; she aims to merge her software engineering and UI/UX design skills to create impactful solutions that can make a positive difference in society.
Call to Action
Gerardine’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of education and community support. Let’s continue to uplift and support young women in their journeys, creating a brighter future for all. Click here to learn how you can become a scholar sponsor and support girls just like Gerardine!