This seemingly small interaction made a significant impact on the students ’ lives ; it changed their perspective , vision , and dreams for the future . This curiosity was propelled the next day when all of the students travelled to the University of Nairobi for IgnitedThinkers ’ Global Space Education Summit .
On August 16 , 2024 , the students were able to directly listen and speak with Kenya Space Agency representatives / scientists . They networked with Kenyan young professionals in the aerospace industry and did many handson activities including making water-propelled rockets , visiting a planetarium , and learning about space robotics through LEGO kits . Towards the end of the day , many of the students came up to me and expressed their gratefulness for this opportunity , which has provided a start for their careers in the aerospace sector in Kenya !
I was overjoyed hearing the feedback , knowing that we at IgnitedThinkers were able to change the lives of many students and their perspective on entering the growing space economy .
To continue this momentum and ensure that the Maasai community has a support system to advance their pursuits in STEM education , IgnitedThinkers is now working with Let ’ s Go Aerospace and Leo Sky Africa to organize monthly space sciences workshops for the tribe !
Each and every one of these students will become future engineers , future scientists , future artists , and future entrepreneurs — they ARE the future — leading the global aerospace industry forward .
www . ignitedthinkers . org @ IgnitedThinkers
FALL 2024 — ISSUE NO . 08 33