Students in the College of Engineering, Design Art and Technology (CEDAT) have been equipped with software knowledge and skills in the mapping and surveying industry by the Regional Centre for Mapping Resources for Development (RCMRD) in partnership with SERVIR Global and the Department of Geomatics and Land Management Makerere University.
The three-day workshop was held from 25th to 27th May at CEDAT conference hall. A total of fifty (50) students trained on access of Earth Observation data, available platforms, and Earth Observation data-based methods for natural resource monitoring.
The workshop also entailed an exhibition of state-of-the-art Earth observation technologies from which students were tasked and grouped to present their ideas and innovations in solving the country’s environmental problems.
Dr. Venny Nakazibwe, the Deputy Principal welcomed the trainers and participants to CEDAT and Makerere University in her opening remarks delivered on behalf of the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. She said the training was jointly organized by the Department of Geomatics and Land Management Makerere University was very crucial in the preparation of the students for the world of work.
‘I understand that the Regional Centre for Mapping Resources for Development, Nairobi, through SEVIR Eastern and Southern Africa Project has developed a mentorship program geared at engaging university and college students to better understand Earth observation in resource management and prompting STEM uptake within 20 RCMRD member states’ she said, adding that the collaboration rides on the 2018 memorandum of understanding between RCMRD and Makerere University.
Dr. Nakazibwe further said the University welcomes the opportunity of the mentorship program aimed at engaging University students to better understand the applications of space technologies for natural resource management. She expressed confidence that the students would acquire the skills and knowledge to enable them increase their opportunities to comfortably fit into the world of work in the broader field of space technology.
Kenneth Kasera, the User and Engagement lead at Regional Centre for Mapping Resources for Development (RCMRD) said they focus on student capacity Assessment, skills uptake and linkages to the mapping and surveying industry.
The “KUZA club” an umbrella body for university students seeking community impact through Environmental solutions, mapping and intensified surveying methodologies was also launched on this day.
SERVIR Eastern and South African University Mentorship program is a joint implementation and funded by Regional Centre for Mapping Resources for Development (RCMRD), The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
