Unguja. The Zanzibar government has reaffirmed its commitment to grooming the next generation of aerospace experts, with five local students set to represent the islands in an international competition organised by NASA in Oman.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, Khamis Abdalla Said, said the government is determined to expand opportunities for young people in science and technology, an area he described as critical to Zanzibar’s future development.
He made the remarks at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport while seeing off the students from the Karume Institute of Science and Technology, who departed yesterday for Muscat to participate in the NASA International Space Apps Challenge 2025, scheduled to take place in the city of Ibra.
Mr. Said said the students’ selection is a direct outcome of the government’s reforms in the education sector, with a focus on improving science and technology programmes to prepare more specialists in advanced fields.
The five students earned their spot in the competition after excelling in the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC) programme, a NASA-affiliated initiative that engages learners worldwide in asteroid discovery.
Before boarding their flight, the students expressed pride in carrying the Zanzibar flag abroad, promising to use the opportunity to gain new insights into aerospace research and innovation. They also pledged to share the knowledge and skills they acquire for the benefit of Tanzania.
“This chance has come because of our performance in the IASC programme, and we are determined to make the most of it,” one of the students said.
Just weeks earlier, the group had an audience with Zanzibar President, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, who congratulated them on their achievement and urged them to inspire other young Zanzibaris to pursue careers in science and technology.
The Zanzibar government has reaffirmed itd commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators with with five local students set to represent the isles at the international NASA-organised competition in Oman.
