Technology has taken over. There’s no industry that is not tech-driven, either in its entirety or partially. Anyone that has tech skills would have a upper hand.
In today’s episode of #TheInspiredDream, we have Vivian Egwu, a UI/UX designer and programmer – JavaScript (Full Stack).
Vivian has an amazing personality and a never-say-die spirit. She is the founder of GreyAfricaHub – A platform that seeks to eradicate youth unemployment by raising self employed, self sufficient and self dependent people through Technology.
How did Vivian start?
“I actually wanted to be a medical Doctor because everybody taught I was intelligent and intelligent people should be medical doctors.
After I lost my dad in 2008 immediately I was forced to change the career choice since my mum was not able to sponsor me in medicine. My cousin suggested computer science and that was how the journey started.
The idea of GreyAfricaHub came up in 2016 but I gave it more attention in 2017
I applied for predegree in Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Out of the 30060 students that came for the predegree 600 was chosen and in computer science only 11 successful students emerge and I was happy I was one of them.”
The evolution!
“I graduated with almost a first class grade from Computer science with just the practical knowledge of Desktop Publishing. I thought my grade alone could land me a good job but I was wrong. Even when I finally got a job, recession came in. I often see people who are good at what they are doing yet being asked to leave. I started asking myself, What is the fate of this young individuals? Assuming I an being asked to leave work today, what else?
I started looking for answers and I started acquiring skills which I think will be competitive in the labor market or one which you can even use in becoming self employed. I found that answer in programming. Today I am still on the journey of becoming a World class Programmer and I have trained over 30 youths in Web Development so far.”
What’s Grey Africa Hub?
GreyAfricahub is an initiative that seeks to curb youth unemployment by raising youths who are self employed, self sufficient and self dependent through Technology. We have trained 30 youths so far in Web development. Currently we run an online training on our facebook page www.facebook.com/greyafricahub.
We also have a whatsapp group for Q and A and we equally invite young programmers who are entrepreneurs to talk to our audience once in a month. The last time we had was with Chris Kwekowe – winner of Anzisha price 2015 in South Africa and Future Award in Technology – 2017 in Nigeria. We plan having a meet up soon to accelerate what our audience have learnt and subsequently a BootCamp.”
How does Vivian relax?
“When I’m not coding, I enjoy seeing movies with my family or visiting the beach with friends.”
Any Advice for Start Ups?
There is no perfect time to start. Once you have the idea, start and let it come out along your journey.
For Programmers: “You will hear that Programming is not easy, I am not trying to dispute that fact. But programming is just like any other language you learn out there. Say Portuguese or French. Once you know the syntax and Semantics of the programming language you are learning and put in passion and commitment, believe me you are good to go.
You can learn more about Grey Africa Hub on their website: www.greyafricahub.org
It’s been a pleasure once again to bring to your reading pleasure another episode of #TheInspiredDream
I remain,
Yours truly,
Leke Ademo
(Your Personal Brand Strategist)
leke@theinspireddream.com.ng
