At WordCamp Europe, we believe technology should be open, inclusive, and accessible to everyone. That is why we are thrilled to feature an extraordinary non-profit organisation that shares our core values: Groundbreaker.
Who is Groundbreaker?
Groundbreaker bridges the global tech talent gap by empowering ambitious young women from financially disadvantaged backgrounds in Uganda.
Through their flagship project, Groundbreaker Talents, they run a fully funded residential tech campus in Bukerere, Uganda. The programme removes all financial barriers by covering tuition, housing, meals, and laptops, allowing women aged 18–25 to focus entirely on their future.
From Zero Experience to Tech Professional
Scholars enter the programme with zero coding experience. Over an intensive year, they go through a practical Software and AI Engineering curriculum designed alongside industry leaders.
The impact is life-changing:
- 92% graduation rate * 98% employment rate for graduates in tech roles
- An average income increase of 25 times their previous earnings
Graduates like Daphine Nambafu have completely transformed their lives. “Before Groundbreaker, I knew almost nothing about tech,” she says. “Today, I’m a Graduate Trainee at Interswitch East Africa, growing my skills in fintech.”
How You Can Get Involved
As a community built on collaboration, the WordPress ecosystem is uniquely positioned to support these brilliant students:
- Become a Mentor: Give just one hour a week to virtually mentor a student, offering real-world career guidance and support.
- Hire Talents: If you run an agency or business, you can hire these highly motivated, remote-ready junior software engineers.
- Sponsor a Scholar: Invest directly in a young woman’s education and independence.
We are incredibly proud to champion Groundbreaker as they build a more diverse, equitable digital world.