Titambire, Sijkwamukela, Maraba (welcome) Airbus!
Of all the continents in the world, Africa has the fastest-growing and most youthful population. Our youth is actually the driving force behind sustainable growth across the continent. Most organizations and institutions around the world have begun to notice the value of the African youth, and have begun investing in us. They have realised that investment in African education and training is essential in building an educated and skilled workforce that builds the future.
One such company is Airbus. Airbus is a giant European multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells aeronautical and military products worldwide. It is based in Toulouse, France.
Airbus has just initiated what is called the Airbus Little Engineer (ALE) robotics programme in Africa. The initiative aims at training thousands of African youngsters between the ages of 10 and 16 years in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The goal is to encourage them to understand and embrace technology and ignite a passion that could grow into an exciting STEM career. In our expert opinion, this kind effort by Airbus is a true spirit of “think global, act local” which will help create a sustainable pipeline of talent for Africa.
As of now, the programme has reached over 3,000 young Africans, especially in Kenya and Nigeria.
Andrea Debbane, the Executive Director of the Airbus Foundation said,
“Africa has developed an ‘innovation’ culture that is growing fast with many social entrepreneurs, local non-profit organizations and we want to support and work with them. It is important that we all join efforts to facilitate the access to STEM skills. These skills play a key role because Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics related jobs are at the core of solving the complex problems of today’s world and its future.”
As yadley.com, we would even be more honoured to see Airbus engage with more local African based organisations to roll out a series of Aerospace Science and Technology workshops in their home countries. Airbus could engage with organizations like Travelling Telescope and STEM METS Resources, respectively based in Kenya and Nigeria.
Airbus, we give you a warm African hug. Well done for successfully positioning yourself as an effective vehicle for discovery-based learning in Africa. Your work will truly enlighten and empower our youth in the areas of science and technology through robotics and aerospace.
