"We Rise, We Lead, We Impact": Boot Camp Participants Reflect in Final-Week Virtual Conversation

ENUGU, NIGERIA — As the 2026 ICT Summer Boot Camp gradually draws to a close, organizers have been rounding off the five-week journey with activities designed to create lasting memories for participants. This week, that meant gathering the cohort at Verbum Networks Limited for an inspiring virtual conversation with IT Strategist and Cloud Technology Mentor Donnie Ikpa.

A Call to Pass It On

Speaking to the group over video call, Ikpa encouraged participants to make good use of the knowledge and skills they've acquired over the past five weeks — not by keeping it to themselves, but by sharing what they've learned, mentoring others, and contributing positively to their communities. It was a theme that echoed the boot camp's own origins: many of these students were once the ones being taught. Now, Ikpa reminded them, it's their turn to teach.

He also took a moment to commend Verbum Networks and its instructors — Peculiar, Chris, and Olivia — for their dedication and commitment throughout the five-week training.

A Chant That Started It All

In one of the call's most memorable moments, Ikpa took the participants back to where their journey began — their very first day at King's Kids Comprehensive Secondary School, Enugu, after arriving from Nenwe. He reminded them of the chant they echoed together that day:

Hearing it again, weeks later and with real skills now behind it, the chant landed differently. What started as an arrival-day motto had become something participants had actually lived out.

A Vote of Thanks

The conversation lifted participants' spirits, reminding them that they are part of a community that believes in them and remains invested in their future. The session closed with a Vote of Thanks delivered on behalf of all twenty-one participants by Orji Mmesoma Rechael of Community Secondary School, Emudo, Nenwe — a fitting close, coming from one of the students the program itself was built to serve.

The Journey Continues

Five weeks may be coming to an end, but as Country Representative Charity Ani put it: the journey continues. The skills learned at CIDJAP and Verbum Networks don't expire when the boot camp does — and if Wednesday's conversation was any indication, this cohort intends to carry them forward.