Gaza Sky Geeks: Learning is a Lifeline
Key Takeaways:- Drive community engagement through positive reinforcement
- Use friendly competitions to build camaraderie and real-world experience
- Provide life-changing learning opportunities to nonprofit communities by becoming a DataCamp Donates Partner
Description
During times of war, securing the most basic essentials of survival, like food, water, shelter, and medicine, often comes at the expense of abandoning one of the most treasured aspects of life: education. But our DataCamp Donates partner organizations in conflict-afflicted territories are proving that providing free data and AI education to those who have lost so much doesn’t just help them survive—it enables them to thrive and take control of their futures.
Gaza Sky Geeks, an initiative of the global humanitarian aid nonprofit Mercy Corps, is one such standout DataCamp Donates Partner Organization. Join Leyan Zahdeh, Program Tech Coordinator, as she showcases how she was able to motivate hundreds of Palestinian students displaced by the war to learn for free on DataCamp, earn Certifications, win Competitions, and improve their lives.
Presenter Bio
Throughout middle and high school, Leyan tried to learn as much as she could, moving from "Hello, world" all the way to a simple calculator with dozens of projects in between. She learned Java, then C++, tearing through any books or any tutorials I could find.
This passion carried Leyan to to study in university, where she learned algorithms, higher mathematics, and soft skills. In 2021, I was honored to be selected as the leader of the Google Developer Student Club at her university. It offered her the chance to create impact, assist fresh students, meet new people from different countries, and collaborate with them, learning more each day. This opportunity led her to work for Gaza Sky Geeks, an initiative of Mercy Corps, where the most rewarding aspect is the chance to share knowledge and assist youth in finding opportunities. Being part of something that creates impact and changes lives is what Leyan has always valued.