Training Youth on STEM Lays Foundation for Future Leaders and Creators in Aviation, Says EAU President

Addis Ababa, August 22, 2025 (ENA)— Enabling the young generation to acquire knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is vital to produce leaders and creators in science and technology, including the aviation sector, Ethiopian Aviation University (EAU) President Laeke Tadesse said.

Ethiopian Aviation University (EAU) in collaboration with Boeing Company and Think Young Research graduated today 55 students that took training on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for six weeks.

Speaking on the occasion, EAU president Laeke Tadesse said such training for young students plays a vital role in shifting the next generation of ambitions in line with leadership.

"We have been implementing a range of initiatives to advance STEM education in Ethiopia," he added.

In the training, the students have gained exposure to diverse topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, computer programming and electronics, the president stated, adding that they have demonstrated creativity and passion through their innovative projects.

According to him, STEM is a central part in creating and fostering capabilities focused problem solving, critical thinking, and innovative.

On his part, Boeing Africa Managing Director Henok Tefera said the training  program consisted of theoretical, and practical experience know how of what aviation and aerospace looks like.

Half of  the students are women, he revealed, noting that this has a role in empowering young women in both the highly skilled areas and leadership.

 ThinkYoung Research Head Charles Howard said the STEM training is given based on the  passion it creates in changing the community.

He expressed his hope that this STEM school would contribute to fruitful education career and future endeavor for work.

Howard further said, "We need to recognize your achievements, hard work, all of the skills that we've managed to learn over the weeks; notably the soft skills like communication, presentation, and group work as well as the hard skills like robotics, AI and coding. These are all incredibly important skills, not just now, but for the future."