Denis Opudo
Airbus Foundation in collaboration with Travelling Telescope and Little Engineer in 2012 launched Airbus Little Engineering Initiative. The main goal of the program included the cultivation technology and innovation among young generation. Initiative beneficiaries are students in the age bracket of 10 to 16 years. The program, in the long run, will ignite and spar career development in the fields of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology. Airbus Foundation Program also operates under the principle of “Think Global, Act Local”. Children and adults will be encouraged to learn intensively about astronomy due to collaboration with the traveling Telescope. The founders Susan Murabana and Daniel Chu Owen sponsored the institution in conjunction with other donors.
The initiatives over the years have empowered youths especially in the discipline of science and technology via aerospace and robotics.
The program in collaboration with M-PESA Foundation Academy offered a challenge to 30 Kenyans students to undertake a simulation of space mission exploration. Besides, uring demonstration workshop of four hours, students had assembled and equipped rocket model for exploration.
According to Executive Director of Airbus Foundation Andrea Debbane, the foundation will support innovative youths by enhancing access to STEM tips. Moreover, the skills learned will enable the young generation to tackle chronic challenges facing the society today.
CEO of M-PESA Foundation Les Baillie noted that the program provides a good strategy for the implementation of foundation goals and objectives.
Recent UN report indicates that medium and small size businesses contribute towards economic development, 81.1% job opportunities and 33.8% GDP in Kenya. Young entrepreneurs between the age of 18 and 35 are the operators of most of these business units in Kenya. Airbus Foundation initiative, therefore, will aid in supporting and creating a stream of sustainable talents in the Continent.
