WAAW Foundation

WAAW (Working to Advance Science and Technology Education for African Women) Foundation is an international non-profit organization founded in 2007. Headquartered in Lagos Nigeria with an operational office in Wylie, Texas.

OUR MISSION

To increase the pipeline of African women entering into Science and Technology fields and ensure they are engaged in Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship to benefit Africa.

OUR VISION

To empower African women to become impactful leaders, change agents and technology innovators through STEM engagement.

OUR CORE VALUES

• The Power of Women
• Education and Leadership
• Impact and Giving Back
• Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Localization and Cultural Sensitivity

CORE FOCUS

Empowering African Women to become impactful leaders to benefit Africa through experiential STEM Education, Leadership and Entrepreneurship Training.

OUR STRENGTHS AND WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE

• Core team of women founders with – expertise, experience and passion.
• Our cause, our vision & values.
• Trust based on financial transparency and prudence.
• Proven programs that work – prototype you can replicate.
• Sustainable model of local engagement with extensive network of African women engaged in on-going activities – (Not episodic events)
• Community Impact

2025 TARGET

Increase the number of African women in STEM from by 10%, and build female technology innovators who create 10,000 jobs to impact their communities.

90% of participants enter and stay in STEM fields.

501(c) EIN: 20-8576703

SUMMER STEM CAMP AND CODE SCHOOL

The African Girls summer STEM camp and Code School is part of a major effort by WAAW Foundation to attract more African girls (ages 13-17yrs) from poor-economic background into STEM disciplines early in life when career decisions are made. Our first STEM Camp for African girls  was held in Lagos, Nigeria in 2013 in partnership with the Womens Technology Education Center, Lagos, Nigeria. Since then, we host annual STEM and Computer Science residential camps and day code school for secondary girls. Our programs are continually growing in impact with camps planned for Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya.

We are currently seeking facilitators, trainers, volunteers and corporate sponsorship for this program. We also need donations of Robotics, Science Kits and STEM books. If interested please click here contact us. Read more…

STEM CELL COLLEGE TO SECONDARY OUTREACH PROGRAM

The overarching goal of this program is to bridge the secondary school to college continuum for STEM and Computer Science in Africa and to ultimately increase the pipeline of African youth entering STEM careers.

Fellows receive initial training and start up resources to self organized into a functioning cell that provides STEM outreach programs. The training for the Outreach fellows will provide them with the exposure and tools to become future teachers and role models. As content creators for their STEM subjects. the fellows will develop an appreciation for the challenges of Public education and an avocation in promoting STEM education. Read more…

STEM FELLOWS TRAINING PROGRAM

The training of University outreach fellows will provide them with the exposure and tools to become future leaders and role models. As content creators for their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) subjects, the fellows will develop an appreciation for the challenges of Public education and an vocation in promoting STEM education for African youth especially girls. STEM chapter fellows will benefit from communication and pedagogy skills while explaining their research for real life applications, resulting in advanced learning for both fellows and secondary school learning students.

Fellows are provided with the exposure, STEM & Computer training, curriculum and teaching materials to help develop avocation of contributing to K-12 STEM and CS Education.

The curriculum covered in the Fellows summit and training program 
The curriculum used in the Training program covers a wide range of topics in STEM and Computer science involving hands on integrated teaching and demonstration methods which de-emphasize black board teaching, rote learning and instructor led classrooms. There are major focuses on:

• Computer programming using the Arduino, Raspberry Pie, Blockly tools to innovate and build application.
• Addressing real life problems in Africa using technology, such as renewable energy, sanitation and waste disposal, water purification, etc

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Our $500 scholarship program initiated in 2008 is aimed at providing timely financial support to academically promising female African Students who are currently in STEM related undergraduate disciplines in an African College or University.  Awardees must demonstrate financial need and a strong commitment to participating in building Africa. The initiative also promotes peers networks that provide support and mentoring to ensure completion in their chosen STEM fields. Read more…

CODE WORKSHOP FOR GIRLS

Learning code Workshop is designed for girls between the ages of 11 and 17. Girls can learn programming and computer science skills. Our curriculum is focused on using technology as a tool for “”changing the world”. Read more…

TEACHERS TRAINING PROGRAM

For STEM secondary educators in Africa, we offer our engaging, rigorous teacher professional development model which provides tools to empower teachers and their students and transform the classroom into a collaboration space where STEM content comes to life.

We emphasize hands-on learning away from the blackboard, and Africa-focused integrated curriculum that help teachers break down the rote memorization methodologies which are prevalent in the African educational system and which stifles creativity. Learn more