In an inspiring showcase of talent and ambition, twenty talented young individuals from across Africa have emerged as winners of Rosatom's Atoms Empowering Africa competition. This unique initiative offered these future leaders the invaluable opportunity to delve into the latest advancements in nuclear technology while immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Russia.
The seventh round of the Atoms Empowering Africa competition has reached a thrilling conclusion, with twenty brilliant young minds from six African nations embarking on an enlightening journey to Moscow. This transformative trip, organized by ROSATOM, is a part of the initiative aimed at fostering curiosity and enthusiasm for science and technology among African youth. The competition in this round, challenges participants to create captivating videos on the topic "Benefits of Nuclear Energy in Africa".
This year's winners, hailing from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, Sudan have demonstrated exceptional creativity and dedication in showcasing the potential of nuclear energy on the African continent.
"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", Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa noted.
One of the highlights of the winners' itinerary was Obninsk City, renowned as the birthplace of the nuclear industry and Russia's premier nuclear technology hub, which has celebrated, this year, 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 truly a privilege to witness the behind-the-scenes operation of an NPP and to see the amount of effort channeled into operational safety and security at the NPPs. But more than that, it was a lovely drive through the beautiful city of Moscow", Munachimso Oguine, a young participant from Nigeria stated.
"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 explored the Atom Pavilion, a remarkable venue dedicated to showcasing the advancements and prospects of nuclear technology, and the Cosmos Pavilion, which offers a deep dive into the history and achievements of space exploration; both in VDNH park.
"It is very insightful to see everything, starting from history, because it leads you right through where it started in terms of nuclear energy and its application across the world, and it brings you to what it is today. I am grateful for the opportunity to see this; I definitely have a little something to take with me back home", Kamogelo Sehoole, a participant from South Africa, mentioned.
The cultural immersion continued with visits to iconic landmarks such as Red Square and the Kremlin, providing a backdrop for understanding Russia's cultural heritage, as well as offering insights into the country's political and historical narrative.
"This trip has been nothing short of exciting, fascinating and eye-opening. I'm especially grateful for the warm and wonderful welcome we received from the Rosatom team. They're amazing! I can't wait to learn and explore more of Moscow with them", Munachimso Oguine added.
"Sharing this experience with other winners from Africa, was the most exciting part as we get to exchange a lot from of life experiences and laughter", said Ahmed Abdel Rahman from Sudan.
Since its inception in 2015, Rosatom's Atoms Empowering Africa competition has been a driving force in empowering young individuals to delve into the realm of nuclear energy. By encouraging African youth to explore and present the benefits of nuclear energy, the competition is not only fostering scientific curiosity but also paving the way for a sustainable energy future in Africa.