GAIAthon '24 Kick-Starts a Year of Innovation and Sustainability

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On May 1, 2024, the Edenway Foundation, a Partner of the Marine and Coastal Areas Management in North and West Africa (MarCNoWA) consortium, officially launched the GAIAthon ’24. This virtual launch, under the umbrella of the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security and Africa (GMES & Africa) programme, signifies a major stride in integrating digital literacy into environmental sustainability efforts across Africa.

Image generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI.

Under the theme "Empowering Innovation through Digital Literacy", GAIAthon ’24 seeks to harness the skills of university students across the continent in Earth Observation (EO) and the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. This initiative, while promoting technological education, also aligns with the African Union's declaration of 2024 as the year of education, highlighting the critical role of educational endeavours in this transformative era.

The event was marked by the unveiling of the new GAIA website and a keynote address from Professor F.K.E. Nunoo, Director of Tertiary Education in Ghana. His words underscored the collaborative nature of GAIAthon, which drew attendance from numerous esteemed academic institutions such as the University of Lome (Togo), Ain Shams University (Egypt), Cheikh Anta Diop University (Senegal), and the University of Ghana among others. These institutions will play a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of digital technology to foster sustainable development across the continent.

Throughout the year, GAIAthon participants will engage in various activities designed to enhance their technical skills and problem-solving capabilities. These will include weekly online sessions, pitch deck presentations, and practical GAIA camps. The initiative will culminate in a one-day event, GAIAthon '24, where teams will present their innovative solutions on topics ranging from environmental monitoring to water resources management to a panel of judges within their respective countries.

Edenway Foundation, alongside MarCNoWA, is committed to establishing GAIAthon as an annual milestone event that fosters continuous innovation and learning among African students. This program is set to enhance digital literacy and promote environmental stewardship, equipping a new generation of Africans to confidently tackle the 21st-century challenges and advance the African Union Commission's Agenda 2063.

The GMES and Africa programme, jointly financed by the African Union Commission and the European Union, underscores our collective commitment to transformative educational and environmental initiatives.

For more information or to participate, visit the GAIA Clubs website.

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