Kenya’s education system faces a significant hurdle with its exams-focused curriculum, which fosters a culture of rote learning and undervalues skills acquisition, knowledge comprehension, innovation, and creativity. The astronomy capacity building workshop dubbed Astro-STEM, however, takes a different approach. It leverages the tools and skills of Astronomy and astrophysics to equip students with the necessary skills and mindset for the future.
Through this project, the students will be actively involved in projects that utilise the astronomy skills learnt to provide solutions in industries such as precision agriculture, urban planning, data analysis and A.I
Workshops, seminars and conferences that are aligned to build capacity in space-related applications are focused mainly on universities within the Nairobi metropolitan area. This creates a gap in exposure for students outside the City. The ASW will offer more slots to university students from the rural areas of Kenya so that they are empowered as solution providers.
Quality education is critical to sustainable development. Through this holistic program, students will upskill by learning software and life skills necessary for navigating the professional landscape. They will participate in projects that connect theory with real-world applications, and learn to use stargazing and space art paintings as activities that boost mental health. The Astronomy Summer program will be conducted in 2 three-week sessions spread over the year when universities and colleges are closed for holidays. The expected number of university students is between 10 and 15; 8 have a background in space-related courses(astronomy, aerospace engineering, space weather), and 7 have a science or physics background.
Students in the program will gain practical skills in Python, Machine Learning and AI, data analysis and reduction, and basic telescope and astrophotography skills. They will also develop scientific research and communication skills, engage in stargazing and space painting, and learn to apply their astronomy skills to address societal needs and create economic opportunities.
The project will not only help the students to excel in space industry careers but also in other fields such as urban planning, agriculture, data analytics, fin-tech and medicine. Giving an upper hand to university students from rural areas positions them to utilise their skills for problem-solving in their communities as well because they have a better understanding of the challenges they face. These outcomes are directly linked to SDG 4 of quality education, SDG 1- No poverty, SDG 8- decent work and economic growth, SDG 9- industry, innovation and infrastructure and SDG 11- Sustainable cities and communities.
The program’s value lies in the positive change that will be realised in some areas and the possible application of the skills.
