Ethiopian Airlines, in partnership with Boeing and ThinkYoung, has launched the STEM School, an innovative initiative aimed at equipping young individuals and teachers in Ethiopia with the skills necessary for better employment opportunities. This collaborative effort focuses on underprivileged African youth, particularly women, fostering their pursuit of higher education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with a special emphasis on aviation.
The STEM School, hosted at the Ethiopian Airlines Aviation University, leverages the expertise of Ethiopia’s flagship carrier. Through this collaboration, students and teachers will benefit from the extensive knowledge and resources of one of Africa’s fastest-growing airlines, enhancing their educational experience and providing them with valuable real-world insights.
Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating, “We are delighted in our collaboration with Boeing and ThinkYoung to launch the STEM School initiative, which helps Ethiopian youths succeed in education and their future careers, primarily in aviation fields, and to become the next generation of innovators. We believe in going at a compatible pace with the speed of technology and being prepared for future demands. This cooperation and initiative will develop young people to meet the future needs of the fast-growing Ethiopian aviation industry.”
The comprehensive six-week program at the STEM School will provide over 300 hours of classes and hands-on training. Twenty-four students in grades 11-12 from various regions of Ethiopia, with a 50% representation of girls, will be selected to participate. The curriculum will cover the fundamentals of STEM, coding, programming, as well as essential soft skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. Job shadowing opportunities at Ethiopian Airlines will allow students to gain practical experience in various STEM-related roles, further enhancing the skills acquired during the program. The students will also have the opportunity to meet professionals from Ethiopian Airlines who will mentor them throughout their individual projects. This internship experience will provide students with professional recommendations, valuable resume-worthy experience, and networking opportunities.
Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa, praised the partnership, stating, “The collaboration between Ethiopian Airlines, ThinkYoung, and Boeing represents a perfect blend of leadership in African aviation, global aerospace innovation, and educational excellence. This synergy will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the STEM School, facilitating the creation of a steady talent pipeline to support the growing commercial aviation industry in Ethiopia.”
Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Sales and Marketing Vice President in Africa, emphasized the importance of developing local talent and boosting the economy, saying, “We value our partnerships with Ethiopian Airlines and trusted NGOs that help boost the economy in Ethiopia and beyond by developing and attracting local talent. We are proud of the community work we do in Africa and believe in developing skills and encouraging young people to consider the aviation industry for their studies and careers.”
In addition to the student program, the partnership also includes a Teacher Training Program. Twenty-four educators from Ethiopia will attend a teaching workshop to enhance their ability to teach advanced STEM concepts. After a week of training, these teachers will return home equipped with a kit they can use in their classrooms, ensuring the program’s sustainability and impact on a broader scale.
Andrea Gerosa, founder of ThinkYoung Africa, expressed his appreciation for the partnership, stating, “ThinkYoung is honored to join forces with Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines in introducing our transformative STEM School program, aimed at supporting Ethiopia’s commitment to addressing skills gaps, particularly in the field of STEM education. Together, we want to create a lasting impact on the lives of Ethiopians, empowering them with the essential education and skills needed to not only adapt but thrive in the ever-evolving digital future.”
Source : airspace-africa.com
