UN-ARCSSTE-E Space Education Outreach Program for Inspiring the Next Generation to Embrace Space Science and Technology and Application

Paper number

IAC-23,E1,IPB,5,x77007

Author

Dr. Mofoluso Fagbeja, African Regional Centre for Space and Technology Education in English (ARCSSTE-E), Nigeria

Coauthor

Dr. Babatunde Rabiu, Centre for Space Research and Applications, FUTA, Nigeria, Nigeria

Coauthor

Mr. Lami Ali-Fadiora, African Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education in English (ARCSSTE-E), Nigeria

Coauthor

Mr. Samuel Anih, African Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education in English (ARCSSTE-E), Nigeria

Coauthor

Mr. OLANIRAN ALUKO, African Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education in English (ARCSSTE-E), Nigeria

Coauthor

Mrs. Oluwatoyin Ajayi, African Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education in English (ARCSSTE-E), Nigeria

Coauthor

Mrs. Oluwatoyin Morakinyo, African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English, Nigeria

Coauthor

Mr. Samuel Fatile, African Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education in English (ARCSSTE-E), Nigeria

Coauthor

Mr. Adekunle Falade, African Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education in English (ARCSSTE-E), Nigeria

Coauthor

Mr. Olubunmi Oyewo, African Regional Centre for Space and Technology Education in English (ARCSSTE-E), Nigeria

Year

2023

Abstract

The United Nations’ African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English (UN-ARCSSTE-E) was established to promote the indigenous capacity in Space Science and Technology (SST) education, research and development among the English-speaking African countries. One of the ways the Centre implements its mandate is through the Space Education Outreach Program (SEOP) to creates awareness and inspires students of primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions as well as the general public, on the benefits of SST to the society. The SEOP activities include workshops, seminars, educational tours, audio-visual presentations, debates, essay competitions and science projects exhibitions for students and teachers, and the general public.  
The Centre recently conducted a National Space Education workshop with over 400 participants from schools across Nigeria. A pre-National Workshop conducted for about 20 schools helped the Centre perfect its strategies for the national workshop. The Centre also held the annual World Space Week event with the theme, Space for Sustainability, designed to foster development of innovative space solutions, especially towards meeting the goals of the United Nations Global Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development. This was carried out in conjunction with schools from all over the country and presented in both onsite as well as virtual formats. UN-ARCSSTE-E has also proposed to establish a Space Science and Technology Education Laboratory (SSTEL) an initiative that seeks further inspire students into space technology development. The proposed SSTEL will be replicated at selected Universities across Nigeria and other English-speaking African countries. Activities at SSTEL will encompass all facets of space research, including Earth science, astronomy and astrophysics, space engineering, satellite sub-systems development, space outreach programs, space robotics, human spaceflight, zero-g research among others. UN-ARCSSTE-E continues to seek for partnerships to fund and support the execution of its outreach programs and initiatives through networking with space-based organizations and enthusiasts. This paper presents the various space education outreach programs/projects embarked on by UN-ARCSSTE-E, challenges and solution proffered.

Abstract document

IAC-23,E1,IPB,5,x77007.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

(absent)