GE Kids experience the magic of technology

sQuashie

February 18, 2016 12:00 PM

Attendees were segmented by age, with younger groups taking part in face painting and picture colouring, and older groups discussing career opportunities at GE.

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Capturing that magic, and building on it, is often the secret to encouraging students to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.

GE Kenya’s African Affinity Forum hosted a day of activities for children of employees in December, 2015, in order to raise awareness of the diversity of technology and help them understand what their parents do at work. Around 40 children attended the event, with all ages represented. The youngest attendee was two and the oldest was 18 years of age.

“The whole day was amazing for me,” said Vera Ambeva, one of the organisers.

Everyone was introduced to video conferencing technology, Telepresence. Groups also had the opportunity to build working electric lamps and model wind turbines.

There was a palpable air of excitement in the offices, with attendees volunteering to come back to GE every day.

Organiser Levi Maranga said one comment in particular had stayed with her, from a child who said: “We would love working for GE because we will help others and travel the world doing it.”

She hoped that the day would encourage attendees to work hard at school and foster a love of science and innovation.

“I believe that most of the children were inspired by what GE does and the impact we have across the businesses,” says Ambeva.

Vicky Kaigai, senior communications manager at GE, said it was interesting to hear children’s perceptions of GE.

“One child said, my mom sells stuff that makes people get better. It turns out her mother supports GE Healthcare customers.”

Kaigai said the day afforded a chance for GE employees to interact in a more personal and family oriented setting.

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