L2G with Ada Africa: THE UNCROWDED TECH SKILL I DISCOVERED (A)

Computer programming skills (coding) is a fast growing skill these days. We have many programmers and developers. There is an increase in coding boot camps and many are obtaining the skill.

Building a website is no longer a rare skill. I have built and still manage websites for a few organizations. Someone said the sector is getting saturated. As a student of African Civic Engagement Academy, University of Georgia, USA, I was exposed for the first time to the making of 3D Animation from scratch incorporating our local contents and background unlike the oyibo animations we see or use in Plotagon which will not reflect my true African stories for social impact.

Ian Tarimo and his work with Tai Tanzania was featured during one of our classes. His storytelling with 3D animation reflects the work that we do at WHAIafrica. I listened to him attentively and was wowed with the animations from his company. I also learnt he is a Mandela Washington Fellow, so after the day’s class, I searched for him online and sent him a message. The discussion began there.

I was developing so many animated concepts in my mind while as an intern at Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) but no idea of how to bring them to reality. I made enquiries from pals at ABS about the kind of 3D Animation I need, none got the skill. I was referred to Lagos, the company said they don’t offer 3D and referred me to another company. The 3rd company offered me 300k for one component of the skill. There are about 7 components. So I need to raise over N2million for the training and sad part, it is just the basics. There is an advanced class for each of the components.

An opportunity came from the US Department of State for two Mandela Washington Fellows in different countries to collaborate in a project. I jumped into it and told Ian, the opportunity has come. Both of us worked on the application and proposed that I will visit Tai Tanzania in Dar es Salaam to have in-depth one-on-one practical sessions with Ian’s technical team in every area of producing a professional 3D Animations. As usual when I apply for an opportunity, I forget about it and focus on other stuff I work on.

Months later, I got an email saying our proposal submission for the LINC project has been accepted. I read the mail slowly twice to connect to the particular proposal they were referring to because i handle many proposals for clients and my work too. I screamed and quickly put a call across to Ian for us to start making the plans. Wait for part B and see what shocked me and discoveries about tech when I got to Tanzania. Who doesn’t want to know or read further? Before then, check out this 3D Animation video from us https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swChZrC-rMY and subscribe to the channel for more or win one of our goodies coming soon. I would be available to give you more insights and walk you through. Recognize what God has called you to be, accept the gifts He has given you and start building on them! Udegboka Nkechi Tessie; +2348174120686; local2global4@gmail.com