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An innovative approach to increasing women’s participation in careers in emerging technology has earned a De Montfort University (DMU) graduate an international award for social action.
Poornima Meegammana, who holds a Master’s degree in Design Innovation from DMU, is the founder of the award-winning Nextgen Girls in Technology (Nextgen) initiative, which has already been recognized by the United Nations (UN).
Poornima has recently won the Study UK Alumni Award for Social Action in Sri Lanka, which celebrates outstanding graduates who have used their UK education to make a difference in their profession, society and country.
Purnima says: “I am deeply honored to have won the UK Alumni Award for Social Action. This is not just a personal milestone; it is a testament to Nextgen’s commitment to breaking down gender barriers in technology through education. It symbolizes worldwide recognition.
“My education at DMU’s Academy of Design Colombo Graduate School was critical in nurturing my entrepreneurial spirit and providing the guidance and resources that were key to Nextgen’s growth.”
This latest award further recognizes Poornima’s dedication to advancing technology education development, especially for girls and youth.
Her work in this field has earned her numerous global awards, including the UNESCO Girls’ Education Award, the International Telecommunication Union WSIS Award, and the Internet Society 25 Under 25 Award.
In 2022, she received the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Award for her groundbreaking work and was named Sri Lanka’s Social Entrepreneur of the Year by Women in Management.
Nextgen has introduced a new program for girls across the island to improve their analytical, logical and creative thinking through coding, Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics.
Female university students were trained in technology skills such as advanced programming, IoT, machine learning, AI and cybersecurity to close the skills gap and increase employment and economic opportunities for women.
Nextgen has trained over 7,000 students and teachers, creating a new trend of girls learning ICT and teachers using Nextgen tools and content in schools.
Poornima is currently the Director of Youth Development at Shilpa Sayura Foundation, where she leads the implementation of the Nextgen skills program, benefiting over 2,000 college students and over 1,000 students.
She said: “My studies at DMU have guided my journey and contributed to Nextgen’s success.
“During my master’s program, I learned how to create innovative solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. This instilled in me the importance of design thinking in technology-based endeavors.
“My courses supported entrepreneurial pursuits and provided students with guidance and resources. I attended workshops that focused on leadership, communication, project management, and team collaboration.
“Thanks to this support, I was able to integrate my academic learning into Nextgen, fundamentally transforming and scaling this effort.”
Poornima is an animation instructor at the Colombo Design Academy and a mentor for Epic Games’ Women Creators Program. Achieving her roles in these roles, Purnima believes, is “a testament to the transformative power of British education”.
Posted on: Monday, March 4, 2024
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