Young girls participating in the 2026 BEMORE Empowered Girls Summer Bootcamp in Ibadan have been equipped with digital, social and sustainable development skills as the five-day programme enters another impactful phase.
The girls, on Day Five of the bootcamp, received practical training in Microsoft Excel, participated in a sensitisation workshop on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), and explored renewable energy through theoretical and hands-on sessions.
The day began with physical exercise, including an introduction to Taekwondo, before the participants proceeded to breakfast and their academic sessions.
The Information and Communication Technology session, facilitated by Bodunrin Olalekan Caleb, introduced the girls to Microsoft Excel, with emphasis on its components, functions and practical applications.
The facilitator explained the relevance of Excel in education, business and the workplace, particularly for data management, budgeting and analysis, encouraging the participants to develop digital skills that could enhance their academic and career prospects.
The ICT session was followed by an SGBV workshop facilitated by Temilola Tomoloju, an alumna of the BEMORE Bootcamp.
Tomoloju educated the girls on the different forms of sexual and gender-based violence, its underlying causes and power dynamics, as well as the legal consequences for perpetrators.
She also discussed practical steps for preventing abuse and supporting survivors, urging the participants to become advocates for safer environments in their schools and communities.
Using a real-life case involving a young girl who was sexually abused by a family member, the facilitator highlighted the psychological and social consequences of sexual violence and the vulnerability of survivors to further exploitation.
The discussion generated strong participation from the girls, many of whom expressed their determination to use the knowledge acquired to promote respect, safety and awareness among their peers.
The afternoon session focused on renewable energy under the ASHDAM SOLAR Academy.
The participants were introduced to the concept of renewable energy and its potential to address power challenges, protect the environment and create employment opportunities, particularly in the emerging green economy.
The theoretical lesson was followed by a practical team challenge tagged “Marshmallow,” which tested the girls’ creativity, planning, problem-solving and teamwork.
At the end of the exercise, SDG 5 emerged as the overall winner, followed by SDG 2 in second place and SDG 1 in third position.
Organisers said the activities were designed not only to broaden the participants’ knowledge but also to develop leadership, collaboration, confidence and practical skills that could serve them beyond the bootcamp.
They expressed appreciation to the tutors and facilitators, matrons, media team and other personnel involved in the programme, with special recognition for the Chief Matron, Mrs Kelechi Igboegwu, and her team for ensuring the welfare and orderly conduct of the participants.
The Resources Manager, Miss Nonye Okafor, was also commended for her contribution to the success of the fifth day of the programme.
