Meet Splendor
Q: Tell me a little about yourself
My name is Splendour, a front-end developer. I am the founder of Communities Will Connect Initiative and Daily Global Opportunities. I am currently an Ashoka Young Changemaker co-leading the Everyone A Changemaker Movement in Nigeria. I have worked with so many regional and international organisations like World Literacy Foundation, African Gifted Foundation, and Global Citizen Year, And currently serving as a member and peer mentor of the #CovidUnder19 initiative.
In my free time, I like to play football and listen to music
Q: Why did you decide to take the path you’re currently on?
I noticed that young people in rural communities in Africa are lacking behind when it comes to acquiring tech skills. And what is more? Girls are the worst hit in this regard. That is the reason why I decided to start Communities Will Connect Initiative
Communities Will Connect
Q: Tell me a bit about your organization
Communities Will Connect is an initiative that seeks to empower young people especially girls in underserved communities with basic computer skills, coding and programming so that they become ethical leaders that would help solve real worlds problems by leveraging technology. And the next is to connect them to opportunities via our blog (dailyglobalopportunities.ng)
Q: What type of projects have you embarked on?
I have embarked on so many projects in the past, but I would like to spotlight #CovidUnder19, an initiative of the Tere de Hommes foundation. The initiative creates space for young people to be meaningfully involved in the responses to the pandemic. Through this project, I have met with some world leaders from the United Nations, Queens University Belfast, and other international organisations. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to work alongside young people from all over the world. Words cannot describe the lots of opportunities I have personally received as a member of the initiative who is currently serving as a peer mentor.
Q: What challenges have you faced in your journey of making impact?
Discouragement, mostly from being a young person and lack of funds to carry out projects.
Q: What’s your favourite mantra (quote)?
“He who fails to plan, plans to fail”
Finding balance and the advice of a Changemaker
Q: How do you balance your work with other aspects of your life?
I practice self-reflection. I don’t allow work to encroach on my social life. I consider myself to be principled when it comes to social life. I always dedicate time to fun and my spirituality.
Finally, in one word, I would say being principled helps me strike that balance between work and social life.
Q: What’s an interesting fact about you?
I am a critical thinker and I often get selected for any opportunity I apply for.
Q: Finally, what advice do you have for other young Nigerians like you?
You are not too young or old to start solving any problem in your community. You don’t need a million dollars to start practising Changemarking. Just dream it, do it. Stop worrying about what people would say, rather, start looking for like-minded individuals who will help you bring that dream into a reality.
Finally, make YouTube your friend and don’t underestimate the power of collaboration.
