Helena: Coding a Better Future
Helena’s story is one of resilience, self-determination, and a passion for technology. Growing up in Arusha, Tanzania, Helena faced significant challenges, including the responsibility of supporting her family through selling fruits and managing livestock. Despite these hardships, she developed an early interest in education and was determined to pursue her dreams.
Her path took a decisive turn when Helena discovered Asante Africa Foundation’s Digital Employability and Entrepreneurship Program (DEEP). This program provided her with the technical skills and knowledge that would later become the foundation of her career in technology. With a keen interest in web development, Helena quickly immersed herself in learning how to build websites—a skill that would not only transform her future but also ignite a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) that would guide her through every step of her journey.
After completing the DEEP program, Helena decided to further her knowledge independently. Through online resources and self-study, she honed her skills in web development, learning languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and later diving into more complex frameworks. Armed with these skills, she launched her own web development business, designing and developing websites for small businesses and local organizations.
Helena’s first significant project—a professional website for a local business—marked the beginning of her tech entrepreneurship journey. The success of this project boosted her confidence and motivated her to take on more complex and high-profile projects. Over time, her portfolio grew, and so did her reputation as a skilled developer capable of creating user-friendly, responsive websites that met the specific needs of her clients.
Her business not only provided a steady income but also gave her the opportunity to experiment with different web technologies, explore her entrepreneurial potential, and make a meaningful impact on her community. Helena’s websites helped local businesses establish an online presence, which in turn boosted their visibility and revenue.
As her career progressed, Helena’s success caught the attention of scholarship organizations, and she earned a prestigious scholarship to further her education in technology. She now plans to return to college to expand her knowledge of STEM and community development, with a particular focus on how technology can drive social change. Through this scholarship, Helena aims to continue building on her expertise in web development and contribute to the growing tech ecosystem in Tanzania.
Helena’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how access to technology education and the drive to learn can transform lives. Her story highlights the power of STEM education, especially for young women, and the potential for entrepreneurship in the tech industry. Helena’s achievements emphasize the importance of providing young girls with the tools, resources, and mentorship needed to excel in STEM fields, particularly in areas like web development and digital entrepreneurship.
Today, Helena is not only an accomplished web developer and tech entrepreneur but also an advocate for greater digital inclusion and women’s empowerment in technology. She is passionate about inspiring other girls to pursue careers in STEM, especially in tech, where opportunities for innovation and growth are limitless.
Helena is a testament to the power of self-education, determination, and the ability to turn knowledge into tangible success. Her story continues to inspire, showing that with the right skills and mindset, anyone can build a future in the rapidly evolving world of technology.