My name is Rita Abednego. In December, 2020 when I received the good news that I had been selected to be part of the first cohort of the Star Alternative Access Program (SAAP), I was filled with excitement. At the orientation when I met the other participants and listened to our facilitators talk about what we will be doing, I was a bit anxious and wondered if I was in the right place. However, I must say that the Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Digital Skills training modules that we took have really helped me to grow in the last 3months. Today, I am better at identifying as a leader, managing my time, developing my business idea and serving others.

For me, the highlight of the program is getting paired with a mentor. My mentor is like an older version of me and I can relate with her so well. We flow together so well and she has been very supportive within a short period. She has hosted me for lunch, attended my digital skills training graduation and even brought me a birthday cake. She is simply amazing! Through the SAAP at Star Women, I have acquired lots of important core skills and I am knowledgeable in entrepreneurship. However, the best part is how I am getting a clearer vision of my desired career. At first, I didn’t like Information Technology because not only did it look complex, I was in the known that it was a male dominated area, but now I am confident that young girls like myself can take up the task to learn it and be better in the field. 

Through the digital literacy component of the program, I was able to take the Technology 101 and Help Desk Support courses at a partner organization, Slamm Technologies Ghana. At the end of the course, I came top of my class and got the Super Star Girl Award for the day. I was also selected as one of the five outstanding students out of over 100 participants to do an internship at Slamm. I am glad I took the SAAP seriously and gave it my best shot because I haven’t only built up in my communication skills, I have taken up every responsibility which has really shaped, modified and built me up. 

I can keep talking about my experience because I have really benefited beyond my imaginations. I really value every opportunity with STAR Women. The Star Team has been a blessing. They have done so well to make sure that myself and my 9 other friends in the first cohort are making progress in life. We were once unsure of the next steps to take after high school but now, we all have good ideas and plans for our next steps. It’s been from glory to glory since Day One and God has been faithful. My 2021 has been amazing so far because of this opportunity at STAR Women. A special thanks to everyone who was on this project with Mrs Jacqui Oyimer, you have indeed touched lives.