NextGen TechCamp Nairobi showcases Oracle education and sustainability initiatives

NextGen TechCamp is a program run by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented by Pwani Teknowgalz in Kenya. The program builds on pre-existing efforts to engage and empower local tech communities around the world and aims to increase economic empowerment, inclusion, innovation and prosperity among young women by bringing together local and international experts and trainers to help participants develop sustainable and innovative solutions.

The TechCamp brought together over 60 young female participants from Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Zimbabwe for a three-day camp in Nairobi, Kenya, from June 22 – 24, 2023.

Oracle Academy is pleased to have joined the NextGen TechCamp Expo. There is an overwhelming demand for workers with digital skills in the tech sector and across all industries, including entry-level positions, hence the importance of students acquiring digital skills. Oracle Academy is contributing towards closing the digital skills divide by increasing student involvement across the board, especially among underrepresented groups, and giving teachers access to teaching and learning materials that make technology more engaging and accessible. We provide educators with access to the latest tools and technologies to assist them in improving student success and building career-ready skills.

During the Expo, Lorna Juma, Program Manager, Oracle Academy, explained the Oracle Academy membership offerings to educators and students, including free technology education resources for teaching and learning. This includes full curriculum, a state-of-the-art learning management system, Oracle Cloud technologies, a variety of software, a student Career Center for further self-study, educator professional development opportunities, and resources for professional certification.

Oracle’s Regional Director, Strategic Accounts, Chintamani Thorat, visited the Nextgen Techcamp Expo and was received by Catherine Florence, the TechCamp Chief, U.S. Department of State, and Ruth Kaveke, co-founder and Director, Pwani Teknowgalz.

While speaking to the Nextgen Camp participants, Thorat highlighted that the world is ever-evolving, and that the speed at which technology is developing has improved our ability to communicate with people around the globe and has given us instant access to information. This has an impact on all aspects of our life. He urged that continuous learning is the only way to stay current.

“By making continuous learning an investment in yourself, you can advance in your business, profession, or switch industries while also expanding your knowledge and abilities. If you want to keep earning, you must continue learning,” he said.

Ecopreneurship was the theme of this year’s TechCamp, which provided a platform to demonstrate how Oracle embeds sustainability in its business, and that of its clients and partners. Oracle’s Global Sustainability Ambassador, Winnie Jumba, highlighted Oracle’s unwavering commitment to environmental and social impact. She talked about Oracle’s commitment to 100% renewable energy, employee involvement through volunteering and green-team programs, and the pivotal role of technology in addressing climate change.

“We have fully integrated sustainability into every aspect of the organization (Oracle) and business operations. Our commitment to innovation extends to sustainable cloud computing solutions and applications, empowering our clients to operate their enterprises with enhanced efficiency and drive meaningful change,” she said.

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