saroadnode@gmail.com Riverside, Kitwe, The Copperbelt University

Southern African Regional Office of Astronomy for Development

Astro Lab Hero

Hack4Skills

About Hack4Skills

WHAT IS HACK4SKILLS?

Also called Hack4Dev (Hack for Development), this is an innovation-driven program that empowers youth through coding, data science, and astronomy-related challenges. It introduces students to real astronomical datasets to build computational thinking skills, which are then applied to real-world challenges like AI, climate data interpretation, and satellite solutions. SAROAD’s involvement includes: • Coordination and Facilitation: SAROAD manages and implements these hackathons and skill-building programs as part of its regional activities. • Nurturing Problem-Solvers: The office uses these initiatives to develop a generation of African experts capable of using big data and digital technologies to address societal needs. • Strategic Oversight: SAROAD assists in evaluating and monitoring these projects to ensure they meet regional development goals.