Empowering the Future of Tech with Onja and Wasabi

Our careers in tech have been anything but conventional. Growing up in Madagascar, we didn’t have access to the resources or knowledge necessary to pursue careers in this field, which had always been our dream. This changed when we were introduced to Onja, a social enterprise in Madagascar that trains students to be world-class software developers.  

Before joining Onja, we had no knowledge of coding and couldn’t speak a word of English. After finishing high school, our parents couldn’t afford to send us to university. We are deeply passionate about our studies, and as top students in high school, we were selected to join Onja, which trains the brightest students in Madagascar who can’t afford to continue their education. 

Through Onja, we were taught programming, problem-solving, and the importance of collaboration. The immersive learning environment pushed us to think critically, adapt quickly, and strive for excellence. More than just a school, Onja became a community that shaped our mindset and prepared us for real-world challenges. 

Onja not only equipped us with the necessary professional and technical skills to succeed, but also actively supported us after graduating from the initial program by helping us find opportunities and mentorship to help guide us as we stepped into the world of software development. 

Just as Onja’s name translates to “waves” in English, their guidance and training in the English language and in software development has enabled us to make waves in our professional careers. Our experience with Onja has been transformational; the training they provided shaped both our personal and professional growth. 

Peta: thriving in a global workforce 

After three years of hands-on experience working remotely with companies in the UK, Sweden, and the Czech Republic, Onja helped me secure a role as a frontend developer at Wasabi Technologies. Joining Wasabi in July 2024 marked an exciting new chapter in my career, where I was introduced to new technologies, tools, and workflows. Crucially, I was fortunate to have a supportive team of engineers at Wasabi who made for a smooth transition into the workforce. Their guidance and encouragement helped me quickly gain confidence and start contributing effectively. 

During my first few months, I was able to work on projects like unit testing which helped me gain an advanced level of knowledge not just as a developer, but as a professional. The engineering team I joined helped me tackle complex integration tests that, although taxing at times, came along with plenty of laughter and learning. These moments showed me that even challenging tasks can be enjoyable when you’re surrounded by great teammates.  

Over time, I was assigned more complex testing tickets, to the point where even one of the experts on the team jokingly said, “You’ve been picking only the hardest tests lately!” That moment boosted my confidence and encouraged me to tackle even greater challenges. This progress eventually led me to a new area of learning—writing test cases for Wasabi Account Control Manager, one of our main projects built with Angular, an open-source platform used for building web applications, which was a new technology to me. 

What stands out the most, though, is the unwavering support from the entire team. I’m able to openly share my experiences with my coworkers and express how I feel. My teammates reinforce my sense of support, make me feel valued, and encourage me to grow.  Every day, someone checks in, asks how I’m doing, and reminds me that I’m never alone. My team makes themselves available for a quick chat or to answer any questions. Their kindness, openness, and willingness help make Wasabi feel like a community where everyone genuinely cares for each other. These experiences have been pivotal in shaping my journey, allowing me to continually learn and contribute to exciting projects. 

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth happens outside of your comfort zone. From tackling new frameworks to optimizing UI performance, every challenge has been an opportunity to refine my skills. 

Clopedia: Technical Skill Development 

Prior to coming to Wasabi, I spent three years working remotely for companies in Poland and the UK. I immediately felt at ease with Wasabi's culture and resonated with its mission. The opportunity to work alongside a talented and supportive team and contribute to meaningful projects every day have been incredibly rewarding as I continue my professional growth.  

My first contributions to the Wasabi team were to key features like Wasabi Account Control Manager. The project used Angular, which was completely new to me. At first it felt very challenging but, with the support of my teammates, I was able to pick up this new tool quickly, diving into bug fixes, unit testing, and collaborating with my team to improve functionality. 

Beyond technical skills, collaboration has been one of the biggest lessons I learned. At Wasabi, I work alongside talented and passionate colleagues who actively share insights, knowledge, and support one another daily. This showed me how much stronger a team can be when problem-solving together. Another key takeaway has been the importance of adaptability. Technologies evolve and, as developers, we have to embrace learning rather than sticking to what we know.  

Reflecting on my journey, I feel incredibly grateful for the experiences and opportunities I’ve had at Wasabi. From stepping outside of my comfort zone with Angular to working in a collaborative and diverse environment, this experience has shaped me not just as a developer but as a professional.  

None of this would have been possible without Onja, which gave me the foundation to step into the tech world with confidence. The training I received in terms of technical skills, communication and professionalism, prepared me for challenges like learning new technologies and being part of a global workforce. I’m deeply thankful for the mentorship, support, and lifelong lessons that continue to guide me in my career. 

Lessons from the field: what we learned at Wasabi 

For anyone looking to break into tech, especially those from non-traditional backgrounds, we have a few pieces of advice: 

• Never stop learning: The tech industry evolves rapidly, so stay curious and open-minded. 

• Seek support: Find mentors, ask questions, and connect with like-minded individuals who can help guide you. No one is expecting you to go at this alone. 

• Believe in yourself: Coming from an unconventional background doesn’t define your potential--your effort and dedication do. 

Looking back, our journeys with Onja and Wasabi have been an incredible adventure filled with challenges, learning, and growth. We are deeply grateful for the opportunities we’ve had and the amazing people we’ve met along the way. Moving forward, we’re excited to continue learning, contributing, and making an impact in the tech industry. 

A big thank you to Onja for giving us strong foundations and to Wasabi for providing a space where we could thrive. We hope our stories inspire others to take bold steps toward their goals, too.