300 high school students to benefit from aerospace programme

Dar es Salaam. 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, an educational programme aiming to cultivate STEM literacy, spark interest in the space industry, and equip students with essential skills for future success in aerospace careers.

President of Boeing Middle East, Turkey, Africa, and Central Asia, Kuljit Ghata-Aura, said the programme was launched earlier this month and will bring the wonders of space exploration into African classrooms.

The Pathways to Space programme is 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, 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 in Africa by investing in a sustainable talent pipeline,” he said.

The programme, which is specifically designed for the youth 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).

According to the 2022 report of the think tank Space in Africa, Africa has more than 270 space companies offering space-based services and has employed about 19,000 people. The same report projects growth of 16 percent to $22 billion by 2026.

“Boeing is excited to share 60 years of space expertise with the African youth. 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,” said the President.

The programme is a collaborative effort with local educational and government institutions in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania aimed at state schools identified by the local Ministries of Education and Science and Technology.

The curriculum goes beyond imparting theoretical knowledge, incorporating practical elements to offer hands-on experience relevant to the space industry. The programme cultivates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) literacy.