One out of ten African girls miss school at least 1 day during every menstrual cycle. In Nigeria a pack of pads cost approximately $1.30 while 44% of the population makes less than $1.90 a day. In 2015, UNICEF published an assessment of menstrual hygiene management in secondary school girls in Nigeria and the main issues were lack of menstrual health education and dissemination of false information.
Our international operations team decided to address this issue by working with local physicians and health professionals to build a program to train girls in making reusable sanitary pads and learn about healthy menstrual hygiene management.
Unlike most African nations, Rwanda dreams to be a service economy. The nation has a massive population density in comparison to its land area, and invests heavily in its human capital. The federal government has budgeted for the New Visit Rwanda initiative but focuses its technological education resources on students in urban areas, ultimately neglecting rural students.
Our international operations team acknowledges the importance of educational equity in eradicating poverty. Thus, we have decided to set up computers, projectors, and connect solar panels in a community center in a very rural part of Rwanda: Nyagatara. This IT center now serves as a safe space for students to learn how to code.
As of 2018 only 62% of Black students enroll in college immediately after successful completion of high school. Once in college Black students at predominantly White institutions have a retention rate lower than all other racial demographics.
Our domestic operations team spearheaded a virtual mentorship program for Black high school juniors and seniors . There was a series of virtual workshops on personal statement, formulating a college resume, test taking strategies for the SAT/ ACT, and applying for financial aid. All 30 selected high school students were assigned to a Cornell mentor and they still keep in contact!
At SOSA we believe it is our responsibility to present Africa in a new light, reflective fo the beauty, opportunity, and excellence of our continent. Each year we aim to change the old narrative that Africa is often portrayed as, to one which focuses on Africa as a pool of talent and resources awaiting investment.
Our conference committee plans and executes our annual African Development Conference. Last year's virtual conference attracted 211 attendees from around the world. We had panelist discuss healthcare, real estate, cultural representation, and business in the context of Africa and connecting the African diaspora.
TalentMine Africa identified a lack of soft skill development as a major obstacle to employment for recent university graduates in Nigeria. Although students gain strong understanding in their field of study, they often lack the skills required to communicate this knowledge effectively and professionally.
Our entire project team registered as volunteers to equip undergraduate Nigerian students with the soft and technical skills needed to excel in the modern workplace. We served as assessors in an interactive platform for soft skills development.
