Education for Change: Insights from My Time at Social Hackers Academy
I just wanted to tell you about the Social Hackers Academy (SHA) in Athens. Our mission is all about helping vulnerable people learn how to code. I worked as the Head of Marketing there in 2019 for a year, and it was an amazing experience!
At SHA, we focus on teaching software engineering to make sure our students are ready for jobs in the tech industry. It’s all about giving people the skills they need to succeed.
In my role, I got to work with a fantastic team. We used social media and other digital tools to share inspiring stories from our students. It’s all about building a community that cares about everyone, especially those who need a little extra support. It’s not just about coding – it’s about changing lives and creating a place where everyone feels valued.
Starting at Social Hackers Academy (SHA) in Athens was both exciting and a little scary. I’d never been to Athens before and hadn’t met my colleagues in person, so adjusting to a new city and job had its challenges. Even though I had to get used to everything from afar, I quickly got into SHA’s vision of using technology to help people. Our team used social media and stories to show the real people behind our work, building empathy and support for those in need.
One of the best parts of working at Social Hackers Academy (SHA) was hearing their stories and seeing how happy they were when they were supported. That’s what kept me going every day. I had a really good experience teaching computer skills to a group of women. We started with the basics, like how to use a mouse and keyboard, and then moved on to making presentations. It was so rewarding to see how excited and confident they became as they learned new things. I loved being part of their journey and helping them feel more comfortable in the digital world.
These moments showed me how important SHA’s work is, and it made me even more passionate about supporting people from different backgrounds. It’s amazing to see how education can change lives, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.
At the end of the year, I had to go back home due to family reasons. But when I returned, something amazing had happened. I felt like a completely different person – happier and more self-confident than ever before.
I packed my suitcase and started a whole new life in a different city. It was a fresh start, and I was excited to see what the future held. As I settled in, I made some incredible friends who added so much joy to my life.
It was the pivotal moment that shaped my journey.