M-Pesa Foundation Students Assembled Space Rocket in Minutes

A group of about 30 Kenyan students at the Mpesa Foundation Academy assembled and launched a rocket-setting up a base and establishing communications within a few minutes.

The project was part of a simulation of a launch mission to space under the Academy’s Little Engineer Programme that was launched in February 2018.

The Little Engineer Programme was initiated by the Mpesa Foundation in partnership with Aircraft manufacturer Airbus, through its Airbus Foundation.

The initiative incorporates a guide by The Travelling Telescope, an astronomy organisation founded by Susan Murabana and Daniel Chu Owen, to engage students aged between 10 and 16 on space exploration.

The Little Engineering students are taken through coursework aimed at enhancing their understanding of the benefits and applications of space technology.

At the state-of-the-art Mpesa Foundation Academy, teaching is anchored on discovery-based learning with tutors working to enlighten and empower the students in the areas of science and technology through robotics and aerospace technology.

“The Airbus Little Engineer programme helps to facilitate access to STEM skills which are crucial in solving the complex problems of today. I would like to thank all partners for joining efforts and making this project possible in Kenya,” stated Andrea Debbane, the Airbus Foundation executive director.

M-PESA Foundation CEO, Les Baillie, says the Little Engineer initiative rides on the Mpesa Foundation Academy approach to education as a way of creating a sustainable pipeline of talent for Kenya and beyond.

Additionally, the academy takes a specialised focus on leadership, technology, entrepreneurship training and co-curricular activities alongside academic learning.

The Mpesa Foundation Academy offers a digitally supported platform for the talented but economically disadvantaged students across Kenya. All the students who are enrolled into form one are offered a full scholarship by the Foundation.