When I first joined SLB nearly 24 years ago as a medical doctor, I knew right away it was a different kind of company.

I remember my manager inviting me, early on in my time, to the opening of a “digital room” in a rural public school. It was instantly evident that the needs in this area, not only in education but in public health as well, were significant.

In that moment, something else became clear: I was part of a company that deeply invests in the communities where it operates. And, if you ask me, nowhere is this dedication more visible than within our community education programs.

Our teams provide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education to young people from low-income communities around the world. I watched this initiative grow from a grassroots idea (originally born in 1998) to a global program, empowering people through workshops, scholarships, technology, and other resources they need to become agents of change and create a more resilient future for their communities.

The beauty of the program is right there in its long-term impact. Through education, we plant seeds of opportunity and watch them grow. It’s an honor and a privilege to take part in these efforts, and I’ve happily done so on countless occasions.

You want to know something many people don’t realize though? Community service isn’t always smooth sailing. Investing in education is a long haul, one that requires mutual trust and the courage to imagine a brighter future.

We actively shape our relations with local communities where we live and work to help gain their confidence, acceptance, and respect. It takes time and genuine commitment. But honestly, when you see the impact it makes, you realize no effort is too great.

And that’s a sentiment we all very much share at SLB, which is probably why our education initiatives will never cease to grow. The program has already expanded into 12 countries since its inception, impacting over 100,000 students, teachers, and volunteers in hundreds of communities!

SLB may be 100 years old, and it undoubtedly has the right to say that our technologies have shaped the industry in incredible ways. But how we invest in communities through education programs allows us to speak of a deeper impact—one that grows over time through patience, trust, and visionary hope.

I, for one, look forward to another 100 years of THAT.