Last week, 20 students from Kilembwa Secondary School and two of their teachers embarked on an exciting educational trip to Google Kenya in Nairobi. The Google team, led by Grace, welcomed us warmly and generously shared invaluable insights into the world of technology. Students had the opportunity to hear from experts across various departments, including researchers, software developers, engineers, designers, and recruitment personnel. Each speaker shared their personal journey, explaining their childhood experiences, school life, challenges, and career growth. A common theme echoed throughout their stories was that challenges are inevitable, but perseverance, adaptability, and determination pave the way to success.
Charles, one of the Google professionals, encouraged students to keep an open mind and explore diverse opportunities rather than confining themselves to a single career path. The team also outlined the skills and qualifications required for different roles at Google, giving students a clearer picture of potential career dreams.
Beyond technical expertise and skills, the importance of soft skills was a major takeaway. Senior technical recruiters emphasized that in addition to coding with different programming languages and problem-solving abilities, qualities such as communication, adaptability, teamwork, and critical thinking are essential for success in any career. He said,
“If you keep whispering now in class, you will still whisper in your job interview—and you will not get that job opportunity”. This resonated deeply with me, reinforcing the importance of self-expression and confidence, which we continue to instill in EH Club students.
Sharon Mwende, who accompanied us, summed up the experience beautifully:
“It was an eye-opening experience for our students as they listened to, interacted with, and gained insights from specialists across various tech fields. Coming from a rural background, they were particularly inspired by professionals who also started from humble beginnings. This trip broadened their horizons and motivated them to dream bigger.”
Our students also had the chance to network and exchange ideas with peers from Karima Girls High School, another school benefiting from Google programs. It was encouraging to see our students actively engaging, answering questions confidently, and contributing to discussions. Every speaker highlighted the power of networking, urging students to embrace collaboration and teamwork early on.
For 10 of our students, this was their first-ever visit to Nairobi City. For 80% of them, it was their first time using a lift—a small yet thrilling experience that added to their excitement. These trips are not just about career exposure but also about broadening students’ perspectives and fueling lifelong motivation to aim higher. Madam Musyimi from Kilembwa Secondary School commented, ”We appreciate Google for exposing our students to three important E’s in this life which are Education, Experience and Exposure. They have learnt a lot from this trip, such a great experience with your team of experts. This will build their confidence.”
The Google team did an incredible job of introducing our learners to tech-related careers and real-world industry exposure at an early stage. After the talk, they were taken through a tour to different spaces where Google team work from them, they all enjoyed especially the great designs and attractiveness of different spaces. Their generosity, insights, and encouragement left a profound impact on our students.
