Josephine Marie Godwyll develops tech platforms & workshops focusing on youth in rural communities in Africa
It is unfair to be deprived of reaching your full potential simply because of where you are born. I am the founder of an ed-tech organization- Young At Heart Ghana, which develops tech platforms and workshops, with special focus on children and youth in rural and low-income communities in Africa. My decision to be an engineer was largely influenced by early exposure to critical skills like programming, therefore I believe no child should be denied access to discovering their full potential. The tech platforms I have led my organization to develop, include a portable technology laboratory, customized e-learning software and training workshops. These platforms provide tools critical to removing the barriers to literacy and critical skill acquisition for children and youth in rural and low-income communities.
What motivated you to become an entrepreneur? Is having your own business something you always wanted?
I have always been motivated by the passion to be the piece in solving the puzzle. I know Africa is on the verge of a breakthrough, considering the technology in-roads made- extending internet access and increasing smart phone penetration. Entrepreneurship allows me to explore these inroads as puzzle pieces in addressing the barriers to education in rural and low-income communities. Through Young At Heart I am part of the solution rather than complain about the problem.
How did you come up with your business idea? What inspired you?
I volunteered as a teacher in a rural school after my first degree and was amazed that students in the basic school where I thought had never seen a computer before. I wanted to develop solutions that will ensure they are not left at a disadvantage because of where they are born.
Do you have a fixed work routine? Is it important to have one? Any tips for our readers?
My routine is to never take my entrepreneur hat off! Once you are fully aware of that hat, every opportunity is a learning opportunity, any interaction is a chance to further your network, there is so much we can learn when we are fully aware.
How do you generate new ideas to stay relevant on the market? Is it important to innovate in your space?
Right timing. Its important to keep a healthy balance between venturing into other relevant tangents while maintaining your focus of your organization. That takes creativity as well as discipline.
What is your biggest dream? Why?
I dream of a world where children and youth irrespective of their gender, socio-economic status or geographical location are given a fair chance to discover and reach their potential. I envisage my organization being the missing piece to realizing this dream by developing the tech platforms and products critical to removing the barriers of access to learning and discovery opportunities.