Airbus Little Engineers initiative comes to Africa

The initiative aims to train students between 10 and 16 years old in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The goal is to encourage students to understand and embrace technology and ignite a passion that could grow into an exciting STEM career.

Africa has the fastest-growing and most youthful population in the world and its youth will be the driving force behind sustainable growth across the continent. Therefore, investment in education and training is essential in building an educated and skilled workforce and encouraging innovation. The goal of the ALE programme is to support the countries’ efforts in creating a sustainable pipeline of talent for Africa.

“Africa has developed an ‘innovation’ culture that is growing fast, with many social entrepreneurs and local non-profit organisations, and we want to support and work with them,” said Andrea Debbane, executive director of the Airbus Foundation. “It is important that we all join efforts to facilitate the access to STEM skills. These skills play a key role because STEM-related jobs are at the core of solving the complex problems of today’s world and its future.”

In the spirit of ‘think global, act local, the Airbus Foundation is working with local organisations dedicated to promote science education in Africa. The first partners, Travelling Telescope and STEM METS Resources, respectively based in Kenya and Nigeria will be rolling out a series of ALE workshops in their home countries.’

Since its launch in 2012, ALE programme successfully positioned itself as an effective vehicle for discovery-based learning, working to enlighten and empower youth in the areas of science and technology through robotics and aerospace.