Irene Ofoley Okine, an alumnus of Amrahia Community School (ACS) and the University of Mines and Technology (UMAT), Tarkwa is making a steady rise to become an accomplished computer engineer and an advocate for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

At the lower primary level of education, Irene was enrolled on the International Needs Child Assistance Programme (INCAP) through a partnership between International Needs Ghana (INGH) and International Needs Canada at ACS.

From ACS to Methodist Girls Senior High School-Mamfe, INGH supported her with educational materials, groceries and mentoring to keep her focused.

Through Working to Advance Science and Technology Education for African Women (WAAW) Foundation, Irene is empowering Junior and Senior High School Students to pursue STEM and embrace leadership.

          “I want girls like me to believe they can do more”

Very early in her professional journey, Irene has shown glimpses of what the future holds; she emerged as a top finalist in the World Engineering Hackathon, (a global contest for engineering students to develop solutions for the UN Sustainable Development Goals) a contest featuring 3,000 participants across over 90 countries.

She also represented Firefly IO at an InovTech Summit, where she presented on 3D printing, and earned a spot among 43 top female engineering students in Ghana selected for the Telecel Ghana’s Female Student Sponsorship Programme. After rigorous testing and interviews, she was named one of the top 10 finalists.

Irene is currently undertaking her National Service at Telecel Ghana.