Boeing, Ethiopian Airlines and the nonprofit organization ThinkYoung launched the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) School in Ethiopia.
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Transforming lives: This groundbreaking initiative aims to empower underserved Ethiopian youth, particularly young women, by equipping them with the essential skills needed for better employment opportunities, with a special focus on aviation.
Hands-on learning:
- The STEM School, hosted at the Ethiopian Aviation University, offers a comprehensive six-week program.
- Welcoming 24 students from different regions of Ethiopia, the program provides a solid foundation in STEM fundamentals: coding, programming and essential soft skills like teamwork.
- Students will also have the invaluable opportunity to job shadow at Ethiopian Airlines and receive mentorship from the carrier’s professionals.
24 students will have 300 hours of hands-on learning and job shadowing at Ethiopian Aviation University. (Boeing photo)
Enhancing STEM education: In addition to the student program, the partnership includes a Teacher Training Program.
- 24 educators from Ethiopia will participate in a teaching workshop to enhance their ability to teach advanced STEM concepts.
- Equipped with a kit they can use in their classrooms, these teachers will make a lasting impact on STEM education in Ethiopia.
What they are saying:
- Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye and Africa, said: "The partnership between Ethiopian Airlines, ThinkYoung, and Boeing embodies a perfect blend of leadership in African aviation, global aerospace innovation, and educational excellence."
- Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew said: "We are delighted with our collaboration with Boeing and ThinkYoung to launch the STEM School initiative, which helps Ethiopian youth to succeed in education and in 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.”
Kuljit Ghata-Aura (second from left), Boeing president in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa, Meswin Tasew, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group (fourth from left), Delila Kidanu, Director of ThinkYoung Africa (third from left) are joined by other dignitaries at the opening ceremony of the STEM School in Addis Ababa on July 17, 2023. (Boeing photo)
Fueling aviation growth: With an eye on Africa's increasing connectivity, this partnership aligns with the continent's economic and social development goals. By developing and attracting local talent, it helps bolster the economy in Ethiopia and beyond.