Yesterday in Ethiopia marked the graduation of the first class of the Pathways to Space programme, a brand-new educational initiative co-organized by Boeing and the Future African Space Explorers STEM Academy (FASESA).
After five months of immersive learning, 312 students—half of them are female—from 63 schools in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania—have shown a keen interest in the space industry, according to the organisers.
“We are looking forward to the innovative contributions the graduates of the Pathways to Space programme will make, shaping the future of space exploration in the decades to come,” stated Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia.
Through the Pathways to Space Programme, 120 kids from Ethiopia, 112 from Nigeria, and 82 from Tanzania were able to learn about space through practical experiences. Teams were formed, a mission patch was created, a prototype satellite was constructed, tested, and their designs were presented.
Students tested their prototypes in real-world settings on a satellite prototype testing day, which marked the program’s conclusion. The organisers claim that the entire experience sharpened their engineering skills, stoked their enthusiasm for space exploration, and equipped them for post-experience education and careers.
“We are incredibly proud of the students’ accomplishments. Their dedication and enthusiasm for STEM and space exploration are truly inspiring,” “The graduation ceremony not only celebrates their hard work during the program but also marks the beginning of their journey as future leaders in the space industry or more broadly in science and technology.” stated Sean Jacobs, FASESA’s founder and executive director.
In the upcoming years, FASESA and Boeing intend to extend the Pathways to Space initiative to additional African nations. The programme will increase possibilities for students across the African continent by offering both in-person and online participation starting next year.
