Palestinian space scheme praised

2500 students are competing for NASA trip Dubai - Arabstoday The UAE's not-for-profit Arab Youth Venture Foundation has announced its support of the Palestinian Science & Technology Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) created by Palestine's pioneering education focused foundation, Al-Nayzek Organisation for Supportive Education and Scientific Innovation. STEP, funded through support by the American Consulate General of Jerusalem, supports Palestinian 9th to 11th grade students with innovative project and research ideas in different fields of applied science, engineering, and technology and has engaged over 2500 students and teachers during its inaugural sessions in March. Al-Nayzak's scientific team will now further train the participating students to succeed in the annual national competition and exhibition. The Arab Youth Venture Foundation will provide funding support and organisational assistance for winners of the STEP competition to attend space and engineering schools at NASA centres in USA where they will team-up with and exchange ideas with their American and international peers in order to complete hands-on educational space engineering and design challenges. Lisa LaBonte, CEO of the Arab Youth Venture Foundation, said: "The creativity, energy, and resolve of Aref Husseini, the visionary who founded the the Al-Nayzak organisation a decade ago, long before STEM education in the Arab world was trendy, is to be commended. Al-Nayzak's success extends beyond its borders and the inspiration and technical talents of young, aspiring Palestinian science stars is clear to all who come into contact with them, adding evidence to the bright futures that await."