Even with the ever increasing computerization of our planet, many youths in developing countries have little or no access to computers or don’t have the remotest idea of how it works.
As a 9-year old, Savior Okusenogu had learnt how to use the computer and one thing he enjoyed doing the most was reading the Microsoft Encarta Encyclopaedia. This opened up a world of possibilities to him and piqued his interest on how things work until he began to think on what ways he could make a positive impact on the world too.
Fast forward to 2015, at the age of 17, Savior Okusenogu saw his dreams of making a positive impact on the world when he was announced as one of the grand prize winners of the Microsoft YouthSpark. Microsoft YouthSpark is a global initiative launched by Microsoft which creates opportunities for youth around the world to learn computer science.
As a winner of Microsoft YouthSpark, Okusenogu will be representing youth from Nigeria, along with other winners representing their home countries in a visit to Nicaragua where they will learn about social entrepreneurship, and development issues. Each of these winners will also get a $2,500 cash grant and a Microsoft technology bundle (that includes a Windows Phone, a Surface Pro 3 and Office 365) to help them develop their projects further.
The Microsoft Youth Spark Challenge for Change, which started in 2012, is a global contest that tasks young people to submit an idea that will use technology to solve a social issue in their communities.
When asked about how he felt on winning the challenge, Okusenogu said “When I initially heard of the news, I was amazed, very excited, and of course happy. It’s a rare privilege for my project to be chosen out of thousands. I feel like I’ve been handed the power to make change happen. I just feel so blessed,”
The idea which helped Okusenogu win the Microsoft YouthSpark prize was developed as an undergraduate, using Microsoft tools like Microsoft PowerPoint and Visual Studio. While in University, he realized that he could channel his passion for technology to contribute his quota in making a positive difference in the world.
This mind-set eventually led him to develop the BISET Initiative (Become Inspired in Science and Engineering Technology) which would encourage more young people in developing countries to become interested in science and engineering. With the prize, Okusenogu would be working with two engineering students from his institution.
With his dream now certain of becoming a reality with Microsoft’s YouthSpark, Okusenogu also added that beyond finding an opportunity to achieve his dream, he is glad that many of his friends have started growing interest in technology and how to access it to solve world problems. He added by saying “I think of technology as an ingredient to make life easier and better no matter the walk of life. I believe if more Nigerian youths could embrace technology even more, there would be a great sprout in the social development of Nigeria,”
Other winners of the Microsoft YouthSpark include youth from Chile, Ecuador, Greece, India, Nepal, United States and Uruguay.
