OMSCS Alum Makes a Difference for Children in Kenya

Over the summer, after graduating from the Georgia Institute of Technology's rigorous Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) program, I embarked on a transformative journey to Africa. Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition, and I believe I did just that. Whether it was the exceptional teachers who guided me or the alignment of values between myself and the institution, I felt a profound sense of purpose as I traveled to Kenya to teach children computer science.

My destination was Nakuru, three hours outside the capital of Nairobi. I spent my days in a local school, sharing my knowledge and passion for technology with eager young students aged 12-18. I taught 2-3 classes a day, each with about 75 students. The experience filled me with gratitude. Each day, I was welcomed with cheers as I entered the classroom, and students would clean the blackboard or sweep the floor with a broom before I began teaching. Their appreciation was evident in their actions and their enthusiastic engagement during lessons.

As I connected with the students, I learned about their lives and the challenges they faced. One such challenge was the inadequate state of their classroom furniture. Determined to make a difference, I decided to donate and build sturdy tables for some of the classrooms. I hired a contractor for the more complex tasks, but I was actively involved in the process, teaching in the mornings, and spending my afternoons in a workshop. There, I soldered desks, bent table legs, crafted chairs, and painted the new furniture. With the help of some other OMSCS classmates, and friends from all walks of life, we were able to donate 15 tables.

Leaving Nakuru left me more empowered than when I arrived. Seemingly small actions had profound impact, and I realized that doing things with intention could significantly affect the lives of others while enriching my own. I am still amazed by how giving a child a slice of bread left him or her extremely happy. Some students could not afford $0.20 for lunch a day, so improving their desks and quality learning or peace of mind in the classroom was the least I felt I could do. The experience taught me that leadership is not just about advancing technology but also about improving the human condition through meaningful, hands-on contributions.

I hope to return to Nakuru and continue this work. If you're interested in doing what I do, please reach out. In the future, I aspire to volunteer in other developing countries, improving the human condition one trip at a time. If you know of other great places to volunteer, I would love to also hear from you.