Livingstone, Zambia - July 30, 2023
In an exciting development for the FAST4Future project, Work Package 7 (WP7) was officially initiated during a dynamic team meeting held in Livingstone, Zambia, from July 27 to 28, 2023.
The WP7 kick-off event brought together dedicated team members from across the project, fostering collaboration and innovation to drive the initiative forward.
Key Highlights from the Event:
Dissemination and Outreach Strategy: Dr. Taye Demissie, Chair of the Dissemination and Outreach Committee, presented an insightful strategy aimed at expanding the project's reach and impact. This strategy outlines how FAST4Future will engage with the broader community and share its findings, fostering knowledge exchange and awareness.
Sustainability Plan: Dr. Prospery Simpemba presented a comprehensive Sustainability Plan, detailing the project's commitment to responsible resource management and long-term impact. This plan aligns FAST4Future with sustainable development goals and ensures that its positive effects continue well beyond the project's conclusion.
Adoption of Strategies: On July 28, 2023, the WP7 members unanimously adopted both the Dissemination and Outreach Strategy and the Sustainability Plan, signaling their dedication to these vital aspects of the project.
Visit to Victoria Falls: After two days of productive discussions, the project team took a well-deserved break to visit the breathtaking Victoria Falls on the afternoon of July 28, 2023. The awe-inspiring natural wonder served as a fitting backdrop for celebrating the successful launch of WP7.
About the FAST4Future Project:
FAST4Future is a forward-looking initiative dedicated to driving innovation, sustainability, and positive change. By uniting experts and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, the project aims to create a brighter, more sustainable future for all. WP7 focuses on crucial aspects of dissemination, outreach, and sustainability, ensuring that the project's benefits extend far and wide.
Dr. Taye Demissie, Chair of the Dissemination and Outreach Committee, said: "Our strategies for dissemination and outreach are designed to make sure the remarkable work within FAST4Future reaches as many people as possible. We believe that sharing knowledge is a cornerstone of progress."
Dr. Prospery Simpemba, added: "Sustainability is at the core of our project. Our plan ensures that the positive impact of FAST4Future is lasting and contributes to a more sustainable world."
The launch of WP7 marks another significant milestone for the FAST4Future project, propelling it closer to its overarching goals of innovation, sustainability, and a brighter future.
Pretoria, South Africa – May 22 – 25, 2023
The Focus on Africa Space Science and Technology 4 Future development (FAST4Future) initiative has been officially launched at the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), marking a significant step toward strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across Africa.
Key Highlights of the FAST4Future Initiative:
Collaborative Consortium: FAST4Future brings together a consortium of visionary nations, including Botswana, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Italy, and Sweden. This collaboration represents a powerful commitment to advancing STEM education and research in Africa.
Empowering Africa's Future: FAST4Future's primary objective is to empower the next generation of African leaders and innovators through Planetary and Space Science and Technology (PSST). This initiative aims to drive sustainable growth and job creation in a continent that is swiftly progressing into the 4th industrial revolution.
Key Objectives of FAST4Future:
Increased Accessibility: FAST4Future is dedicated to expanding the accessibility of STEM education within higher education institutions across Africa, breaking down barriers and ensuring that these critical fields are available to all who seek them.
Modernization: The initiative seeks to modernize existing PSST programs, aligning them with industry standards and policy frameworks. This modernization will equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Internationalization: By promoting staff mobility, FAST4Future aims to foster the internationalization of higher education institutions. This not only enriches the academic experience but also broadens horizons and encourages cross-cultural collaboration.
Standardization: FAST4Future will play a pivotal role in promoting the standardization of PSST programs in Africa. This standardization supports students' mobility, ensuring that educational qualifications are recognized and valued across the continent.
Center for Excellence and Virtual Platform: The initiative envisions the creation of a Center for Excellence, intricately linked to a virtual platform. This strategic move aims to enhance accessibility to the platform, fostering coordinated efforts and knowledge sharing.
About FAST4Future: FAST4Future is a pioneering initiative that stands at the forefront of driving STEM education and research in Africa. By bringing together a collaborative consortium of nations, it seeks to empower individuals, institutions, and nations to embrace the 4th industrial revolution. With a focus on accessibility, modernization, internationalization, and standardization, FAST4Future is poised to be a transformative force in African education and sustainable development