European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer, who is on a national tour of Namibia, has joined celebrations for World Space Week in Oshakati.
Dr. Maurer's visit aims to strengthen ties between Namibia and the European scientific and space community while inspiring young people to explore opportunities in science and technology.
Learners and community members from across the four northern regions joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Space Week in Oshakati.
The annual international event highlights space science and technology and their contribution to humanity.
This year's celebration is held under the theme "Rocket Revolution".
Dr. Maurer engaged with learners from various schools in Oshakati and Ongwediva, speaking about the importance of astronauts and sharing insights into life in space.
Delivering his presentation, the astronaut said space science and technology create opportunities across continents and encouraged learners to work hard to become Africa's blueprint for space activities in various capacities.
"Inspiration is good in all countries. We should inspire our young kids and young generations to study mathematics, informatics, and all the sciences, and hopefully, one day, also fly to space. You don't need to be an astronaut, but you can go to space, as we need doctors, scientists who prepare our experiments, lawyers, and people who understand business. Together, we can build our spacecraft."
General Manager of the National Commission on Research, Science, and Technology, Dr Paulus Mungeyi, reiterated that space science remains an evolving field that needs to be explored in Namibia, Africa, and beyond.
"Space Week is not only important for learners but also for the general public to have a better understanding of what is happening. To add to that, Namibia is developing a science bill so that we can make informed decisions. Maybe, next time, we will have a space launcher here in Namibia, but we first have to have those frameworks in place."
For some learners, the event offered a chance to see their ambitions reflected in the stars.
Emanuel Gomes from Prifa Private School arrived dressed as an astronaut, saying he hopes to become one in the future.
"I want to be an astronaut because I want to discover things in space and see beautiful things that I have never seen before."