Success is not solely in numbers but on demonstrated impact.

At YTF, we measure our success based not only on the number of youth we reach, but on how many of those youth come back as mentors and volunteers after program graduation. We also track the number of "word of mouth referrals" over time. This helps us gauge the real impact our programs are making to community members.

Below are some excerpts from participants in YTF programs.

YTF recognizes that technology must play an important role in education for developing countries to reap the full benefits of information and communication technologies.

In Nigeria, in particular, technology training is not a key part of the nation's educational curriculum.  Technology is not a prerequisite entrance requirement from secondary schools to universities.

Very few private schools in Nigeria offer technology education and this is obviously limited to students that can afford to attend these schools, many of whom are in the urban areas - a trend creating an even wider digital gap.

Obinna's Story: Last year, a wealthy businessman donated two computers to my school.  The school officials showed a lot of appreciation and even invited the media to cover the donation event during school hours.  Our teachers told us that we will begin to learn computers.

As soon as the publicity was over, we learned that the computers had been kept in the staff room and were to be used by the principal, school officials and teachers only.

I learned about the programs YTF offers through a classmate of mine. I was also fortunate to have been admitted to the TechKids program.

I am grateful to YTF for providing this opportunity to me. Without YTF, I would have had memories of computers locked up in a staff room. With YTF's services in my community, I know I have potential.

Franca came to the Owerri Digital Village from Mgbala Agwa, a rural village in the Oguta Local Government of Imo State.

Franca heard about YTF's work from a Mgbala Agwa Youths Forum, a community based organization she works with. MAYF is focused on educating young people on issues related to HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases.

Prior to participating in the Young Nigerians Science and Health Tele-Academy at the Owerri Digital Village, Franca had only heard about computers, but never had access to the technology.

Franca's Story: I am really grateful to the staff at the Owerri Digital Village and to the NGO, Youth for Technology Foundation, for making my dreams a reality. For a long time, I wished for an opportunity to learn basic computer skills. The Young Nigerians Science and Health Tele-Academy at the Owerri Digital Village didn't only provide me with the technology skills, but the program taught me how to use technology to research, document and disseminate information on HIV/AIDS prevention.

At Youth for Technology Foundation, we strive to serve not just individuals but families. We understand that providing entire families with the necessary technology and entrepreneurship skills that they need will lead to a more sustainable rural community.

Pamela's Story: I learned about the programs at Youth for Technology Foundation through my brother, Pascal. Although I am older than Pascal, my parents allowed Pascal to register first in the TechTeens program at the Owerri Digital Village. Their primary reason was that he was a male child and hence will do better in science and technology.

My parents saw a positive change in Pascal's attitude to his school work as a result in his participation in the after-school programs at the Owerri Digital Village. They then encouraged me to register.

Fortunately, I applied for and received a scholarship from YTF for the TechTeens program. I am grateful to YTF for helping me to be a better person and for demonstrating to my parents that, what boys can do, girls can do...better.