Girls are excited to get involved with technology

FOURWAYS – Forge Academy and LG came together in partnership to show young girls the possibilities in being in the ICT sector and why girls are needed in the field.

May 11, 2021

Khomotso Makgabutlane 1 minute read

A learner from Laudium Secondary School tries her hand at a coding activity given with her mentor. Photo: Supplied

Five learners from Laudium Secondary School were treated to a day of information on coding and technology on 22 April in celebration of Girls in ICT Day.

The event took place at the Forge Academy in Fourways. A new partnership with LG and Forge Academy now aims to educate and empower young girls within the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. One of the first steps was to have young girls from the secondary school enter a competition – they had to write an essay about what their interest in the IT industry was and why they wanted to participate.

Non-executive director at Forge Academy, Martine Solomon speaks on the development of Forge Academy to the guests at the Girls in ICT Day event. <br />Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane<br />INSET LEFT: Marty, a little robot, does a coded dance during the Girls in ICT Day event. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Human resources and legal director from LG, Farzana Abdul said LG hopes to bridge the gender divide in showcasing their support for Girls on ICT Day. “By partnering with Forge Academy, LG will roll out sustainable programmes throughout the year to drive skills development amongst girls and women,” said Abdul.

Forge Academy students Kayleen Britton and Grant Visagie with the various 3D-printed items made at the Girls in ICT Day event. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Human resources and legal director at LG, Farzana Abdul stand with five learners from Laudium Secondary School and Forge Academy non-executive director, Martine Solomon. Photo: Supplied

“We want to actively support more girls and women to become front-runners in the future of ICT, democratising access to technology in our country.”

Marty the Robot does a little coded dance during the Girls in ICT Day event. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Martine Solomon from Forge Academy highlighted the importance of having more women in the field from a young age. “Technology will only continue to create new career opportunities. If we want to tap into the true potential of the youth and technology, we need everyone, especially girls, to get involved,” Solomon said.

Girls from Laudium Secondary School sit with their mentors as they go through their activities. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

A number of exhibitions in the building showcased the use of coding and IT in creating solutions for modern-day problems. Some exhibitions included a chance to do 3D printing and virtually try on different clothes.

Human resources and legal director at LG, Farzana Abdul and non-executive director at Forge Academy, Martine Solomon with Marty the Robot. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

One of the winners from Laudium Secondary School and Grade 12 learner, Priya Miteshkumar Parekh said she was excited when she was announced as a winner and could not wait to expand her knowledge in the IT field. “We are going in a world where everything involves computers, but I was also inspired by my family,” she said.

Maritza Kruger, skills development facilitator at Forge Academy welcomes guests to the Girls in ICT Day event in Fourways. <br />Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

“[Today’s] been an interesting and amazing experience so far. I had expected today to be an orientation type where we will learn about what we’ll be doing in this period of 12 weeks. I cannot wait to see what is in store for us.”

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