- The session with Dr Selina Naana Egyir was held at the African Science Academy in Tema, on 6th March 2018. Dr Egyir hosted twenty-one (21) young ladies between the ages 16- 21 years of different national backgrounds aspiring to be in the sciences.
The mentorship session started at 11am at the African Science Academy. The team present from Moremi Initiative was taken on a tour of the school premises and activities of the Academy. Girls live in a boarding facility at the Academy and undertake academic and extra curriculum activities aimed at making them empowered girls in Science, Engineering and Technology (STEM).
The session was coordinated by Miss Theresa Ansaa Anafi and Miss Jennifer Atana. The mentor for the day was Miss Selina Naana Egyir (a lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba / STEM ambassador – STEMNET, UK). She shared with mentees her life experience as a teenager through to her current position. Through this shared experience, Dr. Egyir touched on some dominant values that contributed to her accomplishment as a young female lecturer and a STEM ambassador. She encouraged girls not to give up because of failure or disappointment.
Inspiring words from the Mentor:
- Disappointments are not setbacks in life
- Do what is possible and leave the rest to your faith
- Always push for what you want don’t be deterred by the fact that you are woman
- Appreciate every struggle that comes your way, you will value it sometime
- Don’t be stringent; work towards a balance in all areas of your life
The Womentoring coordinator, Miss Vera Addo advised mentees to take up the responsibility as peer mentors in their communities and schools.
Miss Sonia Amenyito from Togo (an ICT consultant) spoke to them about the need for girls to be in ICT and the power of networking. They were advised to take advantage of networking and mentorship sessions.
Miss Theresa Ansaa Anafi adviced the mentees to stand out, hold their values and be the change they wish to see in their communities and schools.
Quotes from Mentees:
- “It was worthwhile. I learnt a lot and I feel motivated now. I am now convinced that building a career in STEM doesn’t necessarily have a negative effect on your marital life.
- “I learnt that setbacks do not mean you should stop your journey”
- “The session was very educative and interesting”
- “I now appreciate the fact that everything is possible as long as you work hard”
- “I feel inspired to meet someone who believes that I can pursue my dreams in the STEM to develop Africa”
- “I feel motivated to carry on in life, specifically getting to the peak of my science career”
- “It was a very informative and learning session, I hope to apply it in my life and also encourage others as well to go in STEM and take up leadership positions”
Group photo of participants and facilitators at the session
Dr. Selina Naana Egyir ( mentor ) making a presentation to mentees
Mentee paying attention to presentation
Mentees paying attention to presentation
Mentee laughs at a funny statement
Facilitator (Theresa Anafi) with Sonia Amenyito ( 2017 Mandela Washington fellow from Togo) present to support the session
Mentees and mentors in a photo session
Mentees and mentor in a photo session
Staff of Moremi Initiative, African Science Academy and mentor
Moremi Initiative WoMentoring team
