Nigerians, and indeed the world, are collectively holding their breath in anticipation of the 2011 presidential election. Indeed this election’s importance to the citizens of Nigeria and the good functioning of the government cannot be overstated. And no longer is there doubt as to the tremendous promise – and associated risks – of using information and communication technologies to enhance the effectiveness of both electoral activities and new approaches to reform, monitoring, and civic participation in the democratic process.

This upcoming symposium and workshop emerged from a July 2009 conference in which diverse non-governmental organizations (NGOs) made plain the requirements of robust state accountability and transparency for civil society to succeed with its missions – and the concomitant potential of ICTs to support these goals of participatory, inclusive and deliberative processes of decision-making. What became eminently clear from these NGO participants was that Nigeria now sits at a critical juncture with respect to this civic engagement, with all eyes focused upon the upcoming election.

The symposium is co-organized by the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs and the College of Computing, Georgia Institute of Technology (USA) and the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University (USA), the National Democratic Institute (USA), and the Digital Bridge Institute (Nigeria), and sponsored by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

The daylong public symposium will be held at the Yar’ Adua Centre in Abuja on July 19, 2010. Facilitators are leading researchers, activists and organizations in the field and will come from Nigeria, across Africa and around the world. Participants will be drawn from across sectors, including NGOs, donors, academics, activists, policymakers, technologists, and entrepreneurs.

The public symposium will introduce the big picture making the issues widely accessible and compelling to a diverse public audience. It will include a small number of plenary talks from eminent personalities designed to give framing overviews to the topics. However, most of the day will consist of panel discussions that will combine case studies and critical analysis with policy engagements including next-step provocations.

Date: Monday, July 19, 2010
Time: 9:00am – 5:30pm
Location: Yar’Adua Center, Abuja, Nigeria

Event URL: http://www.e-nigeria.org
FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=127970443911228&ref=mf
Twitter: @enigeria
Official event hashtag: #enigeria

Paradigm Initiative Nigeria is pleased to announce this year’s second call for Change Agents in Ajegunle.

On completing a 6-week compulsory training program, Ajegunle.org graduates will be offered available opportunities to undergo internships with one of our partner organizations, listed at www.pinigeria.org/partners.php.

Twenty-eight (28) interns have so far completed 6-week to 6-month internships at Afrinvest West Africa, DHL Nigeria, London Metropolitan University (Nigeria Office), Lornamead Africa, Nigerian Bottling Company, Standard Chartered Bank, Honey Suckles Limited, First City Monument Bank, UK Trade & Investment (Lagos) and the UK High Commission (Abuja).

Our graduates have not only transitioned from High School graduates to interns and entrepreneurs, but some of them have been taken up as permanent staff at various A-list organizations including Afrinvest West Africa, UK High Commission (Abuja), UK Deputy High Commission (Lagos), Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited and First City Monument Bank.

Our graduates also enjoy national and international exposure, with guests from over twenty (20) countries visiting the project since 2007 and the project becoming a Case Study at many international conferences each year. Ajegunle.org graduates, Funke and Debbie, also shared their stories of transformation at the eInclusion session of eLearning Africa 2010 which had 1,776 participants from 78 countries.

The monthly reports we receive from our graduates are enlightening, ranging from those who threaten to withdraw from work after the first week of their internships (but have since learnt that the world of work is demanding for those who must climb the ladder of success) to those who have shown consistent growth in the income earned from their small businesses. Our chin-chin lady started reporting a profit of N70 but the story has changed with a great difference.

The training program takes place at no initial cost to the participants but they must be ready to abide by the conditions stated on the application form.

Applicants must:

* Reside in Ajegunle
* Be available from September to October 2010
* Hold a Senior Secondary School Leaving Certificate.

All interested applicants should obtain entry forms from Uncommon Man Network secretariat or call Yinka on 08062690359. We will accept applications until Friday, August 20, 2010.

The Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) is now accepting nominations for the 3rd edition of its W.TEC Girls Technology Camp.

The technology camp will take place in Lagos in August 2010 and is a W.TEC initiative aimed at helping girls develop an early interest in computers and other information technology, as well as enabling them develop positive images of technology-related careers. The long-term goal is increased numbers of women working with and using information technology productively for professional and leadership activities.

This is a 1-week residential program targeted at girls in JSS 2 to SS2, during which the young women will participate in technology workshops which include introduction to the computer, overview of computer hardware, learning to use some software; with games and activities intended to foster team and leadership qualities. Camp participants will also discuss social issues, especially those that affect young women. The camp will end with an exhibition of the girls’ work.
(View photographs from last year’s camp)

Fee:
The fee for the camp is N50,000.00 for the successful candidates. This covers the registration fee, tuition, boarding and feeding costs.

A limited number of scholarships and discounts are available for girls whose applications are successful and whose parents or guardians are unable to afford the camp fees, so we highly encourage all qualified girls to apply.

Objectives:
The primary aims of this camp are to:

1. Introduce Nigerian girls to computers and other ICTs, which they can use productively for school, work and leisure
2. Encourage the young women to consider a technology career, by giving a realistic and positive idea of computing-related careers through career talks and career-themed films
3. Help the young women plan their future careers with the assistance of mentors and women currently working in these fields

Criteria for Eligibility:
The programme is targeted at female students who are:

• Currently in JSS 2 to SSS 2 and no younger than 11 years of age
• Must have an excellent academic record
• Interested in learning about computers and other information technology
• Must be available in August 2010
• Must have the consent of either parent or guardian to stay in the camp with other girls for 1 week

Duration:
1 Week

Application:
To apply, nominate a girl who meets the above criteria to be invited for a pre-selection written test and oral interview.

Include the following information for the nominee:

• First and Last Names
• Class
• Age
• School
• Contact Address
• Phone Number
• Email Address

Your nominations can be sent in one of the following ways:

1. Hand Delivery to Our Office:
   W.TEC
   Suite 88, Block A-4
   Sura Shopping Complex
   Simpson Street, Lagos Island
   Lagos
2. Online Application: Complete and submit the online application form.
3. Email Application: Email the nominations to us at info@w-teconline.org.

For further information, contact Ms. Omokemi Akinbodunse at info@w-teconline.org, +234.819.115.0387, +234.802.328.7137 or +234.1.850.9782.