The impactful initiative aimed to empower 75 young girls with comprehensive training in coding, robotics, and the fundamental principles of the Internet of Things (IoT).

Selected from 15 schools in the eThekwini area, particularly focusing on historically disadvantaged communities, Robogirl hosted grade 10 and 11 students, offering them an opportunity to train and be educated in technical fields, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Centenary High School, Verulam Islamic School and Palmview Secondary School were announced as winners of this year’s competition.

Empowering future innovators

The programme structure entailed three days of intensive training, culminating in a competitive challenge where participating schools had two days to create and develop an innovative IoT solution.

In attendance was Dr Nevhutalu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at DUT; Professor Olugbara of DUT; Toyota SA; Old Mutual; IEC and Microsoft, who reinforced the importance of Robogirl as a sustainable socioeconomic investment.

Yugen Naidoo, General Manager of Lenovo Southern Africa, highlighted, “Lenovo’s collaboration with DUT for the Robogirl 2023 program underscored our commitment to prepare young girls for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and beyond. Our vision of ‘Smarter Technology for All’ is aimed at empowering underrepresented communities by providing access to STEM education, as well as opportunities for individuals and communities to reach their full potential.”

Constructing equitable income generation and professional development

Robogirl further addresses the gender imbalance in STEM professions and higher education in South African and beyond. By reducing this disparity, more opportunities for women are created, fostering equitable income generation, and fostering conducive, professional environments for their growth.

“Beyond coding and robotics, participants hone critical thinking and problem-solving skills through theoretical teachings and practical applications. Additionally, the program instills values of teamwork, collaboration, and shared responsibility among the learners,” added Naidoo.  “We are immensely proud of all the girls who participated in this year’s competition and wish them victory in all their aspirations.”

The winners respectively received tablets, Microsoft training, and gift bags worth R2500. One lucky student won a Cannon camera worth R24000 in the lucky draw competition.

With these rewards, the schools and individuals will be enabled greater possibilities of honing their talents for long-term educational and career success.

In a new global program for value-added resellers, Huddly partners exclusively with select resellers and prohibits third-party platform sales.

In the AV industry, one size does not fit all. Millions of people struggle daily with inadequate, unreliable AV gear. The pandemic years have forced value-added resellers to compete with internet resellers and third-party platforms by offering standardized solutions.

To counteract this trend and drive growth for its channel partners, Huddly – a leading provider of AI video conferencing cameras– has launched a selective global partner program.

Drawing on the experience of its commercial team, including CCO Daniel Johansson, who has a proven track record of implementing successful partner programs at Tandberg and Cisco, the Huddly Partner Program acknowledges the importance of value-added resellers in the industry.

“Value-added resellers are at the heart of the AV industry,” says Johansson. “They excel at building strong client relationships by delivering bespoke solutions. Our new partner program is designed to support the great work done by resellers and help them achieve their business goals. Throughout the program’s creation, we took great care to incorporate partner feedback to ensure that we provide them with the tools they need to succeed.”

Reseller enablement and support

From July 3rd, 2023, only authorized Huddly Partners will be allowed to sell and represent Huddly. The company’s decision to halt third-party platform sales is a significant move towards boosting its channel business and maximizing profitability, demonstrating its dedication to value-added reseller partners.

“Higher channel revenue is critical to our objective of increasing gross margin, and we are committed to achieving this by supporting the long-term success of our resellers,” emphasizes Johansson. “To that end, we are implementing a selective distribution policy to ensure our partners’ success through focused partner enablement and support. We are fortunate to have great relationships with key global resellers and believe this program will strengthen our bond with them while adding value for our end users.”

A powerful deal registration program

The program is selective and comprehensive, providing resellers with substantial benefits to help them increase their margins while protecting the value chain.

As Johansson notes: “Our partners’ hard work and success are integral to our own, and we want to reward their efforts. Approved Huddly Partners will enjoy the protection of our powerful deal registration program, which provides pricing benefits and promotes close alignment with Huddly for those who lead with our solutions and register projects early.”

In addition to deal registration, the program offers partners resources and support for growth. This includes access to product and marketing tools, technical support, and training programs.

Building strong partnerships

The program comprises three levels, each created to meet unique business goals. Huddly provides a range of benefits for partners who seek closer collaboration.

These include funds for market development, substantial discounts, personalized support, and the opportunity to sell the Huddly Crew AI-directed multi-camera system, recently awarded by Frost & Sullivan for its innovative approach to hybrid meetings.

Johansson comments:

“As a company committed to empowering human collaboration, Huddly recognizes the importance of strong partnerships. We opted for a selective approach to prioritize close collaboration with partners who share our commitment to tailored solutions and exceptional customer care. Together, we can provide users with the best experience.”

Applications open now

Applications for the Huddly Partner Program are now being accepted, and Huddly has set up an online authorization process that lets resellers register their interest. To be eligible, resellers must have an agreement with an authorized Huddly distributor.

Under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education and Innovation of Senegal,  a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in Dakar with the The National Academy of Sciences and Technology of Senegal (ANSTS) and the Department of Human Genetics of the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odonto-Stomatology of Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar.

The groundbreaking study will involve Senegal’s principal ethnolinguistic groups and will be critical in gaining an understanding of human evolutionary history and how this influences disease risk in different human populations. 

Studying the underlying genetic characteristics of the Senegalese population will give researchers and medical practitioners a clearer understanding of the hereditary links to health and disease in the country, as well as improving interventions for disease management and treatment.

As less than 3% of genomic data at present comes from African populations, SEN-GENOME has the potential to contribute to new discoveries, for the benefit of the Senegalese, Pan-African and global populations.

Through the SEN-GENOME study, Senegal will become one of the first African countries to establish a full ‘reference genome’, a database giving a full picture of the genetic characteristics of a given population. As such, Senegal is setting itself apart as an innovator in the field of genomic research. 

Senegal has historically been a focal point of migration from the continent and a crucial piece in the formation of the African diaspora. As such, this study has the potential to contribute significantly towards extensive and life-changing research related to the health of the world African population. In addition to important scientific discoveries, SEN-GENOME will pave the way for further research into ancestry and genealogy, providing fresh insight for people of African descent hoping to understand their ancestry.

Commenting on the signing of the agreement, 54gene founder and CEO Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong said, “Africans are the most genetically diverse population and this study is a significant step in enabling  Senegal to advance the practice of Precision Medicine in the country. We’re honored to collaborate with our partners in Senegal as the country continues to consolidate leadership and innovation by becoming one of the few African countries where genomics research is a reality.”

The study will recruit participants from all regions of the West African country and is expected to establish a baseline genetic characterisation of the Sengalese population. Through the collaboration, 54gene will bring its expertise and support the training of Senegalse scientists. 54gene is also committed to collaborating with their Senegalese partners on additional projects. 

Spokesperson for the National Academy of Sciences and Technology of Senegal, Professor Aynina Cisse, said, “SEN-GENOME is a research project initiated by the National Academy of Sciences and Techniques of Senegal (ANSTS), in collaboration with the Human Genetics Department of the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odonto-Stomatology (UCAD).

The idea germinated, following the observation made by the researchers that the reference sequence of the human genome currently used, does not reflect the genetic diversity of the African populations in general and Senegalese in particular.” 

Principal Investigator and Head of Human Genetic Department of the Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar,  Professor Rokhaya Ndiaye Diallo commented, “The medicine of the future will depend on an understanding of the genetic heritage of each individual. The SEN-GENOME project, the first of its kind in Francophone Africa, aims to create a reference genome for Senegal, reflecting the genetic diversity of the population.

This database will be used to establish personalized medicine in order to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the most common diseases. It will also allow anthropologists to better understand the socio-cultural history of our communities in the interests of national cohesion.”

Themed “Access and Safety,” the day was marked to reinforce the safety for girls and young women to thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and the need for safe and reliable access to the internet and digital tools. This year and every year, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and partners work together to develop solutions and ideas for lowering barriers to access and improving safety online for girls and young women.

The event held at the newly launched Microsoft facility in Lagos with young girls from Girls Senior Secondary Grammar School Obalende, Ikoyi Lagos, female tech enthusiasts as well as 30 ladies under 30 with no prior tech knowledge all in attendance.

The audience was treated to inspiring conversations, one-on-one sessions with mentors, a tour of the office facility, and an introduction to skilling pathways in technology.

On their part, the 30 ladies under 30 who attended the observance without an academic degree or career in tech left with renewed energy willing to pursue careers in tech and software engineering.

Hosted by Sefunmi Wande-Durojaye, Lead Ecosystem and Program Development at Microsoft ADC-West Africa, the observance sparked conversations in ICT for girls during the day-long event, with a keynote address delivered by Bolanle Olumekor, Knowledge Management Assistant at United Nations Information Centre Nigeria.

Participants had the opportunity to hear inspiring and insightful speeches from the speakers during the sessions. Paula Wigwe, Business Manager at Microsoft ADC-West Africa, shared a relatable story of how she got into tech even though her first degree was in Estate Management. Her story had a lot to do with her curiosity, resilience and being focused.   

Beyond the significance of internet access and safety for young women, the day was leveraged as another channel to inspire young women interested in STEM to dream and believe in a future at Microsoft like many women, they had the opportunity to meet.

Jacquelyn Ekwueme, Senior Program Manager in the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), and Adora Nwodo, Software Engineer in Mixed Reality, shared their experiences on ways to become a voice and remain relevant within the tech industry.

Per opportunities in skill advancement, Microsoft ADC West Africa partnered with Utiva and Skillup Africa to help the females in skilling up toward their career journey in tech.

Other notable sessions during the day included a career session anchored by Tejumade Olaniyi, Recruiter at the Microsoft ADC West Africa and an experience at the Garage led by Lydiah Karanja, Program Manager of the Garage, ADC East Africa.

The Garage session gave the participants the opportunity to try their hands on a few projects, bringing home how very accessible and fun tech can be for young women.

The award, presented on behalf of the government by Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister In-Charge, Federal Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (FMSTI), came as a challenge to young Nigerians to show interest in Science subjects through STEM.

Onu stated this during the presentation of certificates to the overall three best students that emerged champions at the Young Nigeria Scientists Presidential Award (YONSPA) on Monday in Abuja.

The Awardees are:

1st position: Maryam Olufunmilayo Ogunbayo (Pen Resource Academy) Gombe state.

2nd position: Gbolahan Azeem Ayinde (African Church Grammar School) Ogun state.

3rd position: Uchendu Mmesomachukwu Judith (UNIBEN Demonstration Secondary school) Edo state.

According to the Minister, the scholarship is up to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree level, to three secondary school students who emerged winners at this year’s Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award Competition (774 YONSPA). The scholarship is in any science-related discipline of their choice at any university in the country.

Dr. Onu encouraged the victorious students to continue working hard to be the best they can be especially to make Nigeria proud.

The Minister further reminded Nigerians that the country was the first to produce a Nobel laureate in literature. He further urged the students to strive to be the first Nigerian Nobel laureates in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Edet Sunday Akpan said that the Ministry will follow up on the progress of the students, especially as they have bagged a scholarship to Phd level.

He encouraged the students to be ambassadors of Nigeria especially in the areas of the development of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and used the opportunity to invite them to the 2022 edition of Science, Technology and Innovation Expo 2022, scheduled to hold between March 14th –Friday 18th this year.

In all, twenty three (23) out of the thirty six (36) states of the federation participated in the competition.