Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Kenya and Oracle Academy conducted training for higher-learning educators from various institutions within the country on March 25, 2022.

Educators at a training hosted by GPF and Oracle Academy

The training is part of the Oracle Academy Transforming Education computing program, which aims to help educators teach, learn, explore, build, and develop in the cloud, free of charge. Such training programs equip educators with skills in using the cloud for classroom teaching and learning to prepare students to become tomorrow’s technology innovators and leaders.

The five-hour practical training focused on “Leveraging Oracle Academy Cloud Program.” It brought together over 120 lecturers from 69 universities and colleges-computing departments who attended the session virtually and physically at the United States International University Africa.

The session was officially opened by Mr. Danny Gooris, Senior Manager of Oracle Academy EMEA, who introduced the Oracle Cloud program, which was conceived two years ago, the progress they have made, and its significant role in education.

On behalf of the Global Peace Foundation, Dr. Tony explained the need to incorporate technology fully in the education curriculum not only at the higher learning stage but at all levels to ensure that both educators and students are conversant with the latest skills. He expressed confidence that such moves are in line with the mission and vision of GPF-Kenya to use education as a tool for peace and development in the country and beyond. This, he explained, can be achieved through programs such as “Character and Creativity,” which is one of the programs GPF uses as a tool to mold learners to embrace their ability to incubate, grow, and master their natural talents.

“We, as Global Peace Foundation, have been very consistent on personal growth and development in life, especially in areas such as character and creativity,” said Dr. Devine.

In his presentation, Dr. Devine also gave insight on the roles of educators as role models both online and in-person to instill positive values, motivate students to learn and engage, and demonstrate genuine care for their understanding and application of knowledge gained. “Educators play significant roles in teaching by enhancing the mindset of the students to be positive during classroom sessions in order to unleash the creativity in them.”

In her address, Ms. Bekere Amassoma, Oracle Academy Programs Manager, Sub-Sahara Africa, was delighted by the tremendous strides that the organization has made in transforming education with the latest technological skills to enhance learning across the world. She elaborated on Oracle’s global philanthropic programs that involve computing education to increase knowledge, skills development, innovation, and diversity in technology.

“Oracle Academy programs are free of charge to institutions, educators, and students across the globe because our aim is to make students gain practical hands-on experience in technology,” said Ms. Amassoma. She further noted that such programs had transformed the lives of millions of learners both in Africa and other continents to make the education process a problem solver for mankind.

The training was facilitated by Mr. Billy Otieno and Mr. Desmond Muriu, both from Oracle, and covered sub-topics such as Cloud Computing, Tech Trends, and Teaching in the Cloud. The duo took the participants through an introduction to computing, cloud computing concept, deployment models, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, the significance of teaching in the cloud, top trends in technology, and career opportunities in cloud computing.

The platform was also shared by Mr. David Owino, Oracle University Principal Consultant, who focused on the free training they offer dubbed CSL Explorer. He was able to respond to questions and recommendations from the lecturers regarding the services and facilities that Oracle can avail to them, apart from the day’s training, especially on how to register as a member.

Daniel Juma Omondi speaks to educators at a training hosted by GPF and Oracle Academy

In his closing remarks, Mr. Daniel Juma Omondi, GPF Kenya Country Director, expressed his contentment with how the training was conducted and highlighted some of the programs and commitments the organization has in transforming education and changing lives in Kenya. “As an organization, our focus in promoting peace and coexistence is rooted in education as a pillar of liberation and civilization. This can be achieved if we make learning and teaching an innovation-driven process,” Mr. Juma expressed. He added that the organization would keep a good working relationship with Oracle Academy to organize such events regularly.

After the event, educators shared their request for future planning led by Dr. Catherine Aurah from the Department of Science and Mathematics Education at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, who hopes a future training will be conducted at that institution.

Global Peace Foundation Kenya, Oracle Academy, and other like-minded institutions remain committed to this journey of Transforming Education in Kenya and across our borders.