Aircraft models excite students at STEAM festival

Students, entrepreneurs and professionals from different spaces flocked to Kyambogo University for the two-day STEAM festival.

STEAM education is an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.

At the festival, Holistic Inclusive Aviation Africa (HIAA), an aviation company showcased aircraft models that reflect the ingenuity and potential of Ugandan homebuilt aircraft. 

These captivated many students and they asked questions about the opportunities in the aviation industry. 

For example, Brenda Namatovu, a senior three student couldn’t believe that Uganda has other aviation schools apart from Soroti Flying School. Another student was excited to learn that he could branch to aviation after senior four.

Professional's from different spaces also attended the event.

Simon Bruno Ssenyange, the HIAA founder and New Vision’s TOP 40 UNDER 40 nominee took the students through the opportunities in the aviation industry. 

“We mainly focus on STEAM, showing arts inclusion in aviation. Young people can become aviation lawyers and journalists if they can’t become pilots or engineers,” he says.

 Ssenyange adds that his team is on a mission to remove barriers for all and promote diversity, equity and inclusion in STEAM and the aviation industry. 

Meanwhile, the festival took place on April 24-25 under the theme; Demystifying Science Technology and Innovation for Community Development.

Davis Arinaitwe, aviation programs coordinator says, he was delighted to see students paying attention and showing interest in learning about future aviation developments and aircraft innovations. 

“We strive to ignite a spark in young people, to inspire them to become the future pilots, engineers and innovators who will soar in the skies and beyond,” Ssenyange says.

He is passionate about supporting innovators to create home-built aircraft. 

Ssenyange advocates breaking barriers and opening up skies for everyone hence promoting equal opportunities and accessibility.

“I envision a future where everyone has the chance to take flight regardless of background and identity,” he adds.

Elsewhere, aside from the aircraft, there were education sessions, like the climate change impact demonstration, bioplastic production to beat plastic pollution and waste management innovations by Kyambogo University Western Uganda campus and space science exhibited by Kyambogo University science students plus the planetarium indoor where students learnt about earth movement and galaxy.

What we enjoyed at the festival

“The days were insightful and memorable; seeing students passionately inquire on aviation opportunities,” Winnie Mirembe, partnerships and communication specialist.

“I enjoyed witnessing my fellow women show interest in joining the aviation sector. The inquiries were many and positive feedback as well,” said Sandra Abaho finance secretary.

“I am an innovator and steam educator. I train people in aircraft model building and at the festival, I interacted with individuals who are passionate about aviation,” Trajan Agumisiriza.