The seventh round of the Atoms Empowering Africa competition has concluded, and twenty brilliant young minds from six African nations are now on a journey to Moscow. This transformative trip, organized by ROSATOM, aims to foster curiosity and enthusiasm for science and technology among African youth. In this round of the competition, participants were challenged to create captivating videos on the topic “Benefits of Nuclear Energy in Africa.”
The winners of this year’s competition, from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, and Sudan, have demonstrated exceptional creativity and dedication in showcasing the potential of nuclear energy in Africa.
“This part of the competition is always the most thrilling part. Seeing the excitement and wonder in the eyes of these young individuals as they explore the heart of nuclear technology in Russia is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about the technical knowledge they gain, but also the cultural exchange and the inspiration they draw from experiencing a different part of the world. We believe that these experiences will ignite a lifelong passion for science and technology. As we look forward to next year’s competition, we are eager to see even more innovative and creative entries. We hope to continue expanding the reach of the competition, engaging more young minds across the African continent, and fostering a deeper understanding of the pivotal role that nuclear energy can play in sustainable development”, said Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa.
One of the highlights of the winners’ itinerary was Obninsk City, the birthplace of the nuclear industry and Russia’s premier nuclear technology hub. This year, Obninsk City celebrated the 70th anniversary of the launch of the world’s first nuclear power plant.
“We toured the Rosatom Technical Academy and received a first-hand tour of Russia’s first Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). It was a privilege to witness the behind-the-scenes operation of an NPP and see the amount of effort put into operational safety and security. But more than that, it was a lovely drive through the beautiful city of Moscow,” said Munachimso Oguine, a young participant from Nigeria.
“This trip has been a life-changing experience for me. Visiting the birthplace of the nuclear industry in Obninsk and seeing the real-world applications of nuclear technology has broadened my understanding and fueled my aspirations to contribute to Africa’s energy future,” said Yasmin Ehab from Egypt.
Participants also had the opportunity to explore the Atom Pavilion, a remarkable venue dedicated to showcasing the advancements and prospects of nuclear technology, as well as the Cosmos Pavilion, which offers a deep dive into the history and achievements of space exploration. Both pavilions are located in VDNH park.”It is incredibly insightful to witness the progression of nuclear energy from its historical roots to its current applications worldwide. I am grateful for the opportunity to witness this journey and will carry the knowledge with me back home,” mentioned Kamogelo Sehoole, a participant from South Africa.
The cultural immersion continued with visits to iconic landmarks such as Red Square and the Kremlin. These visits provided a backdrop for understanding Russia’s rich cultural heritage and also offered insights into the country’s political and historical narrative.
“This trip has been nothing short of exciting, fascinating, and eye-opening. I am especially grateful for the warm and wonderful welcome we received from the Rosatom team. They are amazing! I am eager to continue learning and exploring more of Moscow with them,” added Munachimso Oguine.
“Sharing this experience with other winners from Africa was the most exciting part, as it allowed us to exchange life experiences and share laughter,” said Ahmed Abdel Rahman from Sudan.
Since its establishment in 2015, Rosatom’s Atoms Empowering Africa competition has been a driving force in empowering young individuals to explore the realm of nuclear energy. By encouraging African youth to examine and present the benefits of nuclear energy, the competition not only fosters scientific curiosity but also paves the way for a sustainable energy future in Africa.
