Young space students, enthusiasts and experts converged together on April 12, 2019 for Yuri’s Night party. April 12 is celebrated as Yuri’s Night, marking the day Yuri Gagarin became the first human to launch into space.
The event took place at the Kibera Aeronautics and Space Academy (KASA) home ground at the Tunapanda Institute. The event was organised by the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC).
Participants enjoyed creative sessions where they imagined themselves fighting for survival after getting lost in the Sahara Desert. KASA presented on their beginnings, and the steps they have taken in teaching basic space skills to the children of Kibera. Kibera is the largest slum in Africa.
SGAC’s Nuria Ali presented on the outcomes of the 2nd African Space Generation Workshop (AFSGW 2018) that took place in Mauritius. Ms. Ali thoroughly discussed the linkages between SDGs and the applications of space technology. She was followed by Ms. Brigitte Demba, who comprehensively covered space colonisation, and the latest developments in making other planets more habitable for life to survive.
Arnold Bundotich gave a presentation on the Africa Space Workshops (ASW). He showcased how the initiative was formed, and the tremendous steps it has taken and its continuous growth. He was followed by Mr. Byron Anangwe. Mr. Anangwe discussed the work and activities of the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), including the SERVIR base at the Centre, as well as the RCMRD Space Apps Challenge for Schools. The final presentation was by Mr. Ben Accadius Sabwa, who urged the youth to think of simple ways of communicating Science to the public. ASW sponsored the event.
