Empowering the Next Generation: Ethiopian Airlines' STEM Initiative Marks Another Year of Triumph

Ethiopian is committed to shaping Ethiopia's future leaders through education and STEM, demonstrating its dedication to corporate social responsibility

Addis Ababa, 28 August 2024

Ethiopian Airlines, the leading aviation group in Africa, alongside Boeing and Think Young, are strengthening their commitment to STEM education for Ethiopian and this year, 28 high school students in grade 11, with an impressive 50% female participation, successfully completed the second edition of the STEM School program, designed to equip them with critical skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

The program, which spans three years, targets underserved youth from various regions across Ethiopia, fostering their academic growth and interest in higher education. The selection process, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, ensures that the most promising students are given the opportunity to excel.

“By investing in the education of our youth, we are investing in the future of Ethiopia," stated Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines. "This program empowers the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers by providing them with the essential skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving technological landscape. We are proud to witness the growth and accomplishments of these bright young minds and are confident they will contribute significantly to Ethiopia's future.”

Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa and Central Asia, commented: “The STEM School’s meticulously designed training program delivers a life-changing experience for students. It combines Boeing's global expertise in aerospace, Ethiopian Airlines' legacy as Africa’s leading carrier, and Think Young’s innovative approach to education. The program helps feed the talent pipeline supporting Ethiopia's booming aviation sector and the broader economy. We are excited to see how these young minds will shape the future of aviation in Africa”.

Delila Kidanu, Director of ThinkYoung Africa, said: “Returning to Ethiopia to meet new students and reconnect with students from last year has been incredibly fulfilling. We are happy to support the future generation of STEM champions in Ethiopia and Africa. We look forward to partnering again with Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines next year and further developing this innovative program for and with young people”.

During the program, attendees were immersed in the core principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and enhanced their digital proficiency through learning coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Concurrently, they honed vital soft skills, including collaborative teamwork and advanced problem-solving abilities.

Bethel Teshome Sebsibe, a 17-year-old STEM School student, shared her impression of the program: “Thanks to the STEM School, I have learned things that I never thought I was interested in. The relationship we have built with the students and teachers is helping me learn and improve.”

The STEM School, hosted by Ethiopian Aviation University and leveraging Ethiopian Airlines' specialized knowledge, provided participants with exclusive access to the airline's cargo, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations, offering a tangible perspective on the aviation sector. The initiative is set to continue, welcoming a new cohort of Ethiopian students in the following year.

About Ethiopian 

Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is one of the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-eight years of successful operations, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and De Havilland Q400. 

Ethiopian is also pursuing multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world. Ethiopian has been champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for seven consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years.

For more at: www.ethiopianairlines.com      

Email: CorporateCommunication@ethiopianairlines.com  

Contact: (251-11)517-8913/8165/8907     

About Boeing:

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. The company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity,

sustainability, and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the

future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality, and integrity. Boeing’s history in Africa dates back 75 years. Boeing planes have formed the backbone of the continent’s commercial fleet. Since 2008, Boeing has partnered with

over 40 non-profit organizations in Africa and invested $22 million to support systemic improvements in education and economic empowerment. More information at www.boeing.com

About ThinkYoung

ThinkYoung is the first think tank that focuses on young people. It was founded in 2009 and has expanded to have offices in Brussels, Geneva, Hong Kong, and Nairobi. It is a non-profit organization, with the aim of making the world a better place for young people, by involving them in decision-making processes and by providing decision-makers with high-quality research on youth’s conditions. ThinkYoung conducts studies and surveys, makes advocacy campaigns, writes policy proposals, and develops education programs. Up to date, ThinkYoung projects have reached over 800,000 young people. More information about the STEM School in Ethiopia: https://www.thinkyoung.eu/stemschool