Maneo Mapharisa is a woman entrepreneur running a tech business called Girls Coding Academy.
Start up story
Tell us about yourself.
I am a computer scientist and a Founder of Girls Coding Academy. I have experience working in the information technology and services industry leading organisations such as Google Developers group Maseru. I also serve as the Google Women Tech Makers Ambassador and WomEng Ambassador. I am skilled in Coding, Robotics, 3D Printing and other Computer Science concepts. I am an Application Developer at Lesotho Revenue Authority.
What does your business do?
Girls Coding Academy is an organisation that seeks to equip girls and boys with basic computer skills, robotics, computer science concepts and enable them to engage experimentally in application development. Our purpose is to offer an opportunity for students to participate in an integrative hands-on program, which includes career and technical education (CTE), science, and digital media concepts, in building a partially autonomous and remote-controlled robot. At the end of the training, we offer our clients certificates of participation and other certificates from our partners like Google.
Who are you targeting with your customers?
Parents, guardians, and clients who are ready to learn or have their children learn Coding, Robotics, 3D Printing and other Computer Science Concepts.
What inspired you to start the business?
Girls and women are systematically tracked away from science and math throughout their education, limiting their access, preparation, and opportunities to go into these fields as adults. Women make up only 28% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and men vastly outnumber women majoring in most STEM fields in college. The gender gaps are particularly high in some of the fastest-growing and highest-paid jobs of the future, like computer science and engineering. The Gender gap in Lesotho is alarming. It is a sad story that we are still backwards in technology that is why we accommodate boys too. We need Tech hubs, Tech programs. We need to start grooming our kid’s technology at a tender age, in other to make them ready for the now world.
Can you tell us more about your entrepreneurial journey?
I pitched the idea while I was a student at National University of Lesotho. I got lucky and I won second prize. With that winning, Vodacom sponsored my organization at that tender age to train around 800 girls coding. From there I pitched the idea to different platforms. I started small with the recourses I had at that time, my team and i used to train kids at church because we could not afford to cover costs for such trainings. It was a humbling journey full of ups and downs. The best moment is when I won M100 000 from BEDCO, that money helped me a lot. With that money I was able to buy office furniture even rent a bigger room to accommodate at least 50 clients using different sessions per day. Year of 2021 was also good we now have Google Developers Group Maseru for the first time in Lesotho. We are ready for new to launch Google Programs in November 2022.
What challenges have you faced in your entrepreneurial journey
Lack of entrepreneur skills, funds, and equipment. Girls Coding Academy is my first business and I have learned every business skill through it. It is sometimes not easy, but the passion keeps me going.
What are your future plans for your business?
I want to have a Tech Hub where Girls Coding Academy, Google programs, WomEng programs and other Tech endeavors I have under one big roof. Basotho children can access the Tech Hub 24/7 (Monday to Sunday even on Holidays). The Tech Hub programs should be free, or affordable so we can reach more children. I want a Tech revolution for Lesotho. I hope to get all the support from Basotho to make this dream a reality. We are already operating Monday to Sunday even on holidays. 8am to 6pm. At Metcash Complex Room 133, Maseru Lesotho.
What is most fulfilling to you about being an entrepreneur?
I am happy when my clients pursue STEM programs and excel in that field, or they find opportunities that help or boost their careers in STEM.
Any advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs?
Starting a small business is tough enough, but if you don't know how to market it, your chances of success are slim. Also, for the most part, you can't just use Facebook and Twitter and think that is enough. You'll have to hone your in-person marketing skills and learn how to talk face-to-face with potential clients. Even if you don't currently possess these skills, it is possible to learn them.
Contact details:
Email: info@girlscodingacademy.co.ls Website: https://girlscodingacademy.co.ls/ linkedIn: hthttps://www.facebook.com/girlscodingacademy.ls/
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Whatsapp +266 53041501 call +266 63122074/53041501
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