For many, securing a scholarship to the prestigious African Leadership University (ALU) to study Software Engineering would feel like winning the lottery. For Raymond, it was the culmination of a decade-long journey of hard work, resilience, and community support.
Raymond joined NRCF back in 2014 when he was just a Grade 4 student. Thanks to the foundation, he finished primary school in 2018 and moved on to High School.
In high school, Raymond discovered a love for computers. This new passion changed everything—he decided to drop his childhood dream of becoming a doctor to focus entirely on technology.
Learning to Code
After finishing high school in 2022, Raymond was eager to learn. NRCF helped him take his first steps into the tech world:
- Basic Training: In January 2023, he took computer classes at Belmont College.
- Coding Bootcamp: In April 2023, NRCF partnered with the DirectEd Development Foundation to teach high school graduates how to write software.
During the bootcamp, Raymond had to build his own app to solve a real-world problem. He created a messaging app called “The Terminal.” To make it work perfectly, he even taught himself a complex new technology called Socket.io. His hard work paid off, and his project scored 60 out of 75, earning him a certificate in Full-Stack Development.
Opening the Door to ALU
The skills Raymond learned through NRCF and DirectEd prepared him for his biggest challenge yet: applying to ALU. The university was not just looking at grades; they wanted leaders who could use technology to help Africa.
Raymond proved he had what it takes. When the university offered him a full scholarship, a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders. The scholarship meant he could focus 100% on his studies without worrying about school fees.
Building a Brighter Future
Today, Raymond is at ALU doing what he loves. The university does not just use boring lectures; instead, students work on real-world projects. At ALU, Raymond is focusing on three main areas:
- Teamwork: Working with smart students from all over Africa.
- Practical Skills: Creating software that genuinely helps people.
- Leadership: Learning how to lead teams and manage tech products.
Raymond’s story shows how far a student can go with the right support. He is no longer just a boy learning to code—he is on his way to becoming a world-class developer, ready to use technology to uplift his community and his continent.