National Point of Contact
Cameroon
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Huber Foy Kum
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SGAC Cameroon

Although Cameroon does not have a major presence in the global space stage, its social and economic development, largely, depends on the use of space applications and services. The number of space-related civil society organisations and commercial enterprises are steadily increasing, and the nation is becoming a hotbed for space activities in the region. The government is making significant effort to promote existing regimes, formulate domestic policies, and implement them. These processes constitute the educational and political foundation required to maximise the use and applications of space technologies and services. More so, the mechanisms suggest that the nation would readily join regional initiatives, if not start a national programme, in due course. Recently, students, parents, and professionals have come together in conferences and workshops to share their passion, exchange knowledge, and stimulate debate on space issues that can contribute to social and economic development in the country. There appears to be a young generation of space enthusiasts across Cameroon. If many Cameroonians pursue higher education in space areas, with the support of the government, then Cameroon could have the intellectual resources necessary to initiate and sustain a vibrant space community. SGAC offers a good foundation for students and professionals interested in the field to learn from an increasing global community of talented professionals who share a common vision about space. Interested persons could benefit from activities, which bring together experts and young professionals to discuss issues that influence the future of Cameroon in space. As humanity quest to explore and conquer the Moon, stars, and beyond, a new generation of scientist and policy leaders is essential to carry this vision for decades to come, and centuries. Cameroonians, young females and males, can become part of this global vision by getting involved in space activities and laying a foundation for the future through the SGAC network.

Young Space Activities Overview in Cameroon

Besides participating in SGAC Cameroon activities, students and young professionals can meet during Yuri’s Night event and World Space Week to share ideas, learn, and work on projects related to space. Students, their parents, and their teachers usually celebrate World Space Week in cities across the country. The media plays an increasingly positive role during these events by talking about them during their special programs and conducting interviews with event organizers. SGAC organized a teleconference for about 50 high school seniors in Cameroon and South Africa as part of the celebration of Yuri’s night in 2010. The event resulted in the establishment of a Cameroonian-South African students’ partnership on youth space education, a vision to create a new generation of African leaders on space policy issues. Because of the success of the event, future conference might include students from other countries in Africa and Europe. Another successful event, offering opportunity to youth and professionals to participate with international experts, diplomats, and industry professionals, is the annual conference organized by the International Academy of Astronautics, Africa Region, in association with the Global Center for Compliance, Hazards and Disaster Management (GLOCECOHADIM), Bello, North West Region.

 

Country-Specific Events in 2011

  • Yuri’s Night (12 April): Yuri’s Night is a celebration of humanity’s achievements in space. Youth sharing a passion for space come together to mark the anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s first flight into space (in 1961) and the first launch of the US Space Shuttle (in 1981).
  • World Space Week (4-10 October): “To celebrate each year at the international level the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition" -- as declared by the United Nations General Assembly.
  • Youth Inspiration Zero Gravity Competition (4-10 October), USA: The World Space Week Youth Inspiration Project sends students into simulated zero gravity to inspire students globally to excel in school. The students will have the opportunity to fly with a special Zero G airplane, which simulates the weightlessness of flying in space.
  • International Cassini Essay Contest (4-27 October), USA: The Contest is open to students in grades 5 – 12 (approximately ages 10 – 18), to write a 500-word essay on one of the given topics. Once winners are selected, winners’ teachers will be contacted and asked to provide a photograph of the student(s). The winning schools, and as many other schools as possible, will be invited to participate in a teleconference with Cassini scientists.

 

Interesting Web Links for the Young Generation in Cameroon

NASA Kids Club: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/kidsclub/flash/index.html
Explorer Dome http://www.explorerdome.co.uk
RoboFesta http://robots.open.ac.uk
ESA Kids http://www.esa.int/esaKIDSen/SEMXR6WJD1E_OurUniverse_0.html
Neok12 http://www.neok12.com
National Youth Development Trust http://www.nydt.org/home.asp?pid=717

National page of Cameroon in SGAC's annual report 2009

 

 

 

 

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