African Youngsters to Benefit from the Pathways to Space Initiative
In a news report by The Citizen, a total of 300 high school students aged between 15 and 20 years old in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania will benefit from the “Pathways to Space initiative,” a five-month immersive educational programme designed to spark interest in the space industry, enhance STEM literacy, and equip students with the skills necessary for a successful career in aerospace as a global leader in aerospace.
The programme, designed for the youths in Sub-Saharan Africa and particularly emphasises satellite technology, was launched by Boeing in collaboration with the Future African Space Explorer’s STEM Academy (FASESA). This collaborative endeavour involves local educational and governmental entities in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania, targeting state schools identified by their respective Ministries of Education and Science and Technology. Beyond conventional theoretical teachings, the curriculum integrates hands-on components to provide practical exposure pertinent to the space sector. This initiative encourages STEM literacy, enabling proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
According to Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Turkey, Africa, and Central Asia, ‘’The programme was launched earlier this month and will bring the wonders of space exploration into African classrooms. Boeing recognises the immense potential of Africa’s space sector, and we are committed to contributing to the growth and success of the space industry by investing in a sustainable talent pipeline. In addition, Boeing is excited to share 60 years of space expertise with the African youth, and our primary objective is to inspire students to explore fulfilling careers in aerospace, thereby nurturing a future generation poised to drive economic transformation in their respective nations.”