Oracle’s innovative, solution-oriented culture fosters a community of employees who want to improve the world. All year long, Oracle Volunteers lead and take part in virtual and in-person initiatives with educational institutions, nonprofits, and public institutions. They believe in building stronger communities by sharing knowledge and skills while providing aid to those in need.
At the Oracle Kenya office, Marion Karanja, Oracle Principal Technology Solution Engineer, is a volunteer worth celebrating. Marion volunteers at Garissa University, the biggest university in Northern Kenya, where she guest lectures, covering topics in project management and management information systems. Her primary focus is lecturing third- and fourth-year ICT students on current technology.
As an institutional member of Oracle Academy, Garissa University educators and students have access to free Oracle Academy resources such as curriculum on database and project management. While teaching, Marion leverages the Oracle Academy Cloud Program that allows educators and students to teach, learn, explore, build, and develop in the cloud ― free of charge. Students have access to emerging technologies, comprehensive curriculum, and hands-on learning and developing in the cloud to build career-ready skills.
Marion believes volunteering in school settings provides her the opportunity to reflect on her own career adventures and re-engage with her community through working with youth. She says, “We see the same spark of passion that sent us on our own routes in the beginning mirrored back when we take the time to volunteer, speak to young people about the range of work we do, and discuss the technology professions that are accessible. Future generations will be motivated by this to fill our shoes. Also, volunteering helps us grow and improve our professional abilities.” She wants to inspire the students to continue making a difference in their communities, long after they graduate.
In the words of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Albert Schweitzer, “Wherever you turn, you can find someone who needs you. Even if it is a little thing, do something for which there is no pay but the privilege of doing it. Remember, you don’t live in the world all of your own.”
Oracle Academy strives to build innovators of the future by empowering educational institutions and educators to help students learn both in and outside the classroom to advance technology education globally.
Thank you Marion !