By Matombo Hewett

Arrival And Warm Welcome

I arrived Nigeria on the 11th May 2025 after receiving the PAPSSN Credit Seeking mobility Scholarship and my adventure began at the airport, where I was greeted by my host supervisor, Dr. Eya Innocent. His warmth and enthusiasm instantly relieved any anxieties I had about traveling to Nigeria for my six-month credit-seeking mobility program organized by the Partnership for African Planetary Science and Space Network (PAPSSN). As we drove through the lively streets from Enugu to Nsukka, I was struck by the vibrant atmosphere and the rich culture that surrounded me.

Immersing in academic life

Settling into my new environment was made easier by the local PAPSSN team, who organized insightful weekly seminars. These gatherings were vital for exchanging ideas and fostering collaboration among students. I was fortunate to present my research topic: “Carbonates in Kompina, Nkaapa Formation, Northern Douala Basin: Evidence of the Presence of Extremophiles for Life on Mars.” The feedback and encouragement I received were instrumental in refining my research.

Throughout these seminars, I engaged with brilliant minds who shared diverse perspectives on astrobiology and geology. The collaborative spirit fostered by PAPSSN helped me feel more connected to my work and motivated me to push the boundaries of my research.

Exploring Culture And Lifestyle

Living in Nsukka offered a genuine glimpse into Nigerian culture. The local people’s hospitality was extraordinary; they welcomed me with open arms and took the time to explain their traditions and customs. My interactions with neighbors and fellow students allowed me to gain insights into the daily life and vibrant spirit of the community.

The culinary experience was one of the highlights of my stay. I relished various traditional dishes such as jollof rice, pounded yam with egusi soup, and suya. Each meal was an opportunity to savor the rich flavors of Nigeria and engage in lively conversations that enhanced my cultural appreciation.

The role of financial support

One of the significant aspects of the PAPSSN scholarship was the monthly stipend of 600 euros. This financial support was invaluable, allowing me to focus on my studies and research without the stress of financial burdens. It covered my living expenses, enabling me to fully immerse myself in both academic and cultural experiences during my stay.

Mentorship And Personal Growth

Dr. Eya Innocent played a crucial role in guiding my research journey. His mentorship extended beyond academic support; he encouraged me to develop critical thinking skills and explore new methodologies. His patience and dedication to fostering a nurturing academic environment allowed me to thrive as a budding scientist.

Working on my research about carbonates in the Kompina formation deepened my understanding of extremophiles and their potential implications for life on Mars. This insight not only enriched my academic knowledge but also ignited a passion for astrobiology that I intend to pursue further.

A Heartfelt Gratitude

As I reflect on my six-month journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities provided by the PAPSSN scholarship. From the financial support to the academic mentorship and cultural immersion, this experience has shaped me in profound ways. I have grown not only as a researcher but also as an individual, enriched by the diverse experiences that Nsukka offered me.

In conclusion, this journey has been more than just an academic endeavor; it has been a transformative life experience. I am deeply thankful for the support of Dr. Eya Innocent, my home supervisor Dr Bokanda Ekoko and the entire PAPSSN team, and I look forward to carrying these invaluable lessons into my future endeavors in science and beyond.

Matombo Hewett Ekumeli

By: Chinedu Jude Nnaji

My Background and Postgraduate Applications

Coming from a disadvantaged background, both financially and academically, pursuing a dream of becoming an astrophysicist once felt unrealistic. It was a dream I could hardly share with anyone. Even when I did, it often made little sense to those around me. Explaining such a dream to an uneducated mother was even more difficult. Yet she would proudly say, “My son is in the university”, even though she could neither pronounce nor explain what I was studying.

Deep inside me was a strong desire to do something unique, something novel, something uncommon and beyond the ordinary. My mother saw that determination and believed in it wholeheartedly. She supported my dream blindly, with everything she had.

I completed my BSc (Honours) degree in Physics and Astronomy at the University of Nigeria (UNN) in 2020/2021, under the supervision of Prof. Finbarr Odo. Shortly after completing my undergraduate studies, I lost my mother to kidney disease. Life became even more difficult and uncertain. During this period, I applied to several universities abroad, hoping for an opportunity to further my education. Unfortunately, these applications were unsuccessful.

Still holding on to hope, I applied to the Pan-African Planetary Space Science Network (PAPSSN) mobility scheme. This time, something felt different. I was encouraged by the positive and supportive feedback I received while communicating with my then potential supervisor, Prof. Nukri Komin, at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), South Africa. That optimism kept the dream alive.

PAPSSN Nomination

The PAPSSN nomination arrived during my National Youth Service (NYSC) year in 2022, while I was still teaching in a rural area in Ipokia, Ogun State, Nigeria. Receiving the official nomination letter for the PAPSSN mobility scholarship was one of the happiest moments of my life. Words cannot fully describe the joy and gratitude I felt at that time.

It was my first time travelling far from home and my first time boarding an aircraft. I felt a mixture of excitement, fear, and overwhelming gratitude. Preparing for the journey was one of the most challenging parts of the mobility experience for me, but it also marked the beginning of a life-changing opportunity for which I remain deeply thankful.

Arrival in South Africa – Johannesburg

My first flight was booked for 7 June 2023 by the PAPSSN team. Nervous yet excited, I enjoyed the experience more than I had imagined. I arrived at OR Tambo International Airport and made my way to the University of the Witwatersrand in Braamfontein, where temporary accommodation had been arranged for me.

South Africa immediately revealed itself as a beautiful and diverse country, rich in culture, history, and natural resources. Johannesburg, often referred to as the City of Gold, reflects the nation’s deep mining heritage and its strong international ties. Wits University stood out as a large, vibrant, and globally connected institution, with an academic atmosphere that felt both serious and welcoming.

Waking up in a new country brought many changes: new faces, languages, customs, and academic expectations. The cultural adjustment was real, from the cold winter mornings (including a rare snowfall) to the lively music, dance, traditional attire, and conversations about customs such as marriage and lobola. I also found that people were especially warm and welcoming, even more so when one made the effort to understand or speak a local language. Settling in was not easy, but with time, patience, and openness, I adapted and began to feel at home.

The Wits School of Physics

Registration as an international student initially made me worry about how my stay would unfold. Contrary to my fears, I settled in well, and having a supportive and dedicated supervisor made the transition smoother.

I began my MSc research in High Energy Physics under the supervision of Prof. Nukri Komin. My project was titled “Search for High-Energy Gamma-Ray Emission from the Supernova Remnant SN 1987A with H.E.S.S.” The research involved analyzing data from the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) under the H.E.S.S. Collaboration.

Throughout this period, I gained valuable skills in programming, data analysis, gamma-ray astronomy, and observational astrophysics. I also served as a Teaching Assistant (TA), where I tutored and also supported undergraduate laboratory sessions. This experience allowed me to demonstrate and perform numerous physics experiments, strengthening my teaching, communication, and mentorship skills. These experiences contributed greatly to my academic and personal growth.

The Wits School of Physics provides a supportive and stimulating research environment. Access to computational resources, servers, office spaces, and a collaborative academic culture encouraged productivity, innovation, and scientific growth.

Conferences, Workshops, and Summer Schools

PAPSSN placed me in an excellent position to explore the broader scientific community. I made full use of this opportunity by attending conferences, workshops, and summer schools, with additional travel support from the South African Gamma-Ray Astronomy Programme (SA-GAMMA).

I visited the H.E.S.S. telescopes in Namibia and participated in a H.E.S.S. data analysis workshop hosted by the Namibia group. Within South Africa, I attended HEASA and AfAS conferences. Internationally, I travelled to Germany, with a beautiful stopover in Dubai UAE, to attend the ESO-Gruber Summer School in Garching, hosted by the European Southern Observatory.

These experiences allowed me to learn from leading scientists in astrophysics and to engage with researchers from around the world. They remain some of the most inspiring moments of my academic journey.

Degree Award and Graduation

By the end of my mobility period in May 2025, I successfully completed my research and dissertation. After examinations and administrative processes, I officially graduated with an MSc in Physics at the University of the Witwatersrand during the graduation ceremony held on 9 December 2025.

This milestone represents more than a degree. It reflects resilience, persistence, and the power of opportunity. Today, I move forward with a renewed determination to pursue a PhD and contribute meaningfully to astrophysics research.

None of this would have been possible without the PAPSSN mobility scholarship. I remain profoundly grateful for this opportunity. PAPSSN did not only support my education, it transformed my life and reaffirmed my belief that dreams, no matter how distant they seem, are achievable with the right support.

Thank you, PAPSSN.

Closing Date 1^st November 2025

Applications are invited from African nationals for scholarships in the fields of Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space and Planetary Science, Planetary Geology and Remote Sensing.

Apply Now at https://scholarship.papssnmobility.org/

By Gaone Joseph

I found out about the PAPSSN scholarship opportunity a few days after declining another remote exploration job opportunity. My daughter was only 6 months and the mum guilt just wouldn’t budge despite my love for geology. I shared my thoughts with a friend, and she told me about the PAPSSN scholarship—soon after, I applied. PAPSSN provides topics of research to select from, which cuts down one’s time on reading broadly in search of a topic. From several interesting options, I was drawn to research supervised by Dr Linda Iaccheri and Dr Stephanie Enslin on creating a geospatial database for mine tailing in South Africa using remote sensing and GIS tools. With each paper I read on the topic, I realized this scholarship would open doors to a research-driven field aligned with modern technological advances. It offered exactly what I needed—an escape from purely field-based geology to a career that could blend geology with office-based work, giving me the flexibility to stay closer to home and support my family.

The PAPSSN’s application process was straight forward, and the support was very responsive to any question regarding the process. Once I finally sent through my application applied, I took a short prayer and left the rest to God. Fast forward a few months later, I received the great news that my application was successful and needed to get started on the processes preparing for my Msc academic Journey at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. I left for South Africa with all the enthusiasm to make the best of this opportunity, as shown by image below, I was all smiles on the departure day.

Embracing a New Environment

Johannesburg is fast paced and has a very mixed culture. I come from a slower paced city, Gaborone, Botswana but settling into the new environment was seamless through PAPSSN’s proactive contact person at Wits- Mrs Suraiya Buccas, together with the BIUST team as they had prepared me for a smooth registration process and shared all relevant information to make this transition seamless. They provided a prioritized checklist of everything I needed to do before leaving Botswana and what to upon arrival in Johannesburg.

Personal Development and Academic Growth

PAPSSN also has a great selection of Supervisors who not only prioritize academic excellence, but personal development. Dr Linda Iaccheri and Dr Stephanie Enslin have a shared commitment with PAPSSN for Pan-Africanism in Planetary Space science therefore they constantly push me to step out and occupy space in this huge industry. Evident from images below, A few months into my academic journey they had me submitting my proposal, conference abstracts, posters, motivational letters to attend conferences whilst doing all sorts of training which sharpened my technical skills and broadened my view of what science can do for Africa. Through this commitment, I’ve also met with brilliant peers from across the continent—each with a vision to solve local problems through tech driven approaches.

PAPSSN’s mission to build African capacity in planetary and space science is not just a vision on paper—it’s something I’m living. Through their support, I’ve transitioned into a research path rooted in remote sensing and GIS, working on environmental challenges tied to mining and sustainability. To future scholars especially women: embrace the unknown, challenge yourself, and remember that this scholarship is more than financial aid—it’s a platform to shape your destiny and make Africa proud. Don’t let mum guilt rob you of a career you love.

Attention to all interested applicants,

We wanted to extend our heartfelt appreciation to those who have already submitted their applications for our call for applications. Your interest and effort are truly valued.

However, we’ve noticed that we received very few complete applications, and we understand that this may have been due to various reasons. Therefore, we’ve decided to re-open the applications to give everyone another opportunity to participate.

Whether you’ve encountered technical difficulties, needed more time to prepare, or simply missed the initial deadline, this is your chance to join us in this exciting endeavor.

Don’t hesitate to submit your application now and become a part of our project. Your ideas, skills, and passion are essential to its success.

Thank you for your understanding and continued interest.

As I reflect on my journey, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible opportunity the PAPSSN Scholarship has afforded me. Studying abroad was a dream I never thought I’d realize, but this scholarship made it possible. Little did I know that this life-changing journey would take an unexpected turn when I found out I was pregnant before traveling to participate in the scholarship opportunity for a master’s degree at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST). I was faced with doubt about how I’d manage, but I was rendered support not only by my husband but also by professor Mengistu, Mrs. Chakandinakira, professor Fulvio and the team. In this blog article, I want to share my story of how the PAPSSN Scholarship not only enabled me to pursue my academic dreams but also helped me navigate the challenges of motherhood while abroad.

(fig1:Location; Zambia airport, about to travel to Botswana)

Since I was able to reason, I’ve wanted to be a scientist and leave a lasting legacy on the planet. To change the world, you must have lofty goals that push you out of your comfort zone. I received my BSc in Physics from Copperbelt University in Zambia, where one of my lecturers noticed my interest in Astrophysics and later advised me to take this chance. After receiving the scholarship, I realized I would become a mother. That’s when doubt and worry seized me about the decision I was about to make; fortunately, the host team provided guidance on which path to choose.

Because the astrophysics department had not yet been established when I was admitted to the university, I was assigned to the environment science department. A whole new field to me, and I had to learn the fundamentals from the beginning. As the department attempts to solve real-world challenges, I soon adapted. Although the material is voluminous, it became easier to traverse with the help of my supervisor and lecturers. Learning new abilities can be difficult to the point when I begin to doubt myself, but in the end, determination and hard effort triumph.

fig2:My husband visiting me at BIUST

The scholarship’s support network proved to be a lifeline during this challenging period. The friends I made in my host country, many of whom were fellow scholarship recipients, became my extended family. They offered emotional support, invaluable advice, and practical assistance. We shared in the joys and tribulations of academic life and motherhood, forging bonds that will last a lifetime.

fig3:In Botswana, friends became family.

The scholarship organization itself also played a pivotal role. They provided guidance on navigating the educational system in a foreign land, ensuring I had the resources needed to excel academically. Moreover, their understanding and flexible approach during my pregnancy was a testament to their commitment to the holistic well-being of their scholars.

In the end, the PAPSSN Scholarship is doing more than just enable me to obtain a world-class education; it is transforming my life. I will not only graduate with a master’s degree but also became a stronger, more resilient individual, a loving mother and wife. This scholarship has taught me the power of community, resilience, and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams, even in the face of unexpected challenges.

In conclusion, the PAPSSN Scholarship is more than financial assistance; it is a lifeline for not only women like me but fathers, sons and daughters who dream of pursuing higher education and who face life’s unforeseen twists and turns. It’s a symbol of hope, empowerment, and resilience. My journey, though filled with challenges, has been a testament to the transformative impact of this scholarship. I am forever grateful for the opportunities it has provided and the remarkable people it has brought into my life. Special thanks to Professor Mengistu for his support and guidance towards my research work.

It is with great pleasure to announce the successful applicants for the PAPSSN Scholarship, third call 2023. We received an overwhelming number of applications from highly talented and deserving individuals, making the selection process quite challenging. After careful consideration, our esteemed panel of judges has chosen a remarkable group of scholarship recipients who have demonstrated exceptional academic prowess, potential, and a strong commitment to their chosen fields.

October 7, 2022

The Preamble

After obtaining an M. Sc., degree in astrophysics in 2021 from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), I decided to listen to the wise words of Ralph Walden Emerson- “All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better”. This experiment took me to Ghana. During this ‘experiment’, I went of the academic field, as I found myself working as a store keeper and typist at E-Power Dynamic System, Ghana. I had barely worked at the company for three months, before I was notified of the PAPSSN scholarship advertisement by a good friend of mine, Mr. Eze Christian from UNN.

The news of the scholarship got to me very late, but nevertheless, I decided to give it a try, as it’s often said that there’s no harm in trial. I began the application process few weeks from the deadline of the call. At this time, I began having a second thought, that I have embarked in a fruitless journey, but remembering that fortune favors only the bold, I decided to push on.

Nomination for the PAPSSN Mobility Scholarship Offer

After the upload of the M. Sc. transcript, I decided to patiently await in prayers the outcome of the application, as it’s often said that good things come to those who wait for it.

To God be the glory, in the evening of the 7th of December 2021, after closing from my working place, I decided to check my mails in my phone and to my greatest surprise, I bumped at the email from the PAPSSN coordinator, notifying me that I have been nominated for the mobility scholarship programme. I can tell you, that I immediately went on cloud nine as my joy knew no bounds. This was how I made a comeback to academics, as I had already found myself in a non-academic field.

Preparation for My Study Trip

Upon receiving the good news of the PAPSSN nomination for the mobility programme, I notified my Boss about it. He wished me well and gave me one week to update my store records and handover to the company manager.

After that, I traveled back to Nigeria my country to process my traveling documents. I arrived Nigeria on the 18th of December 2021. However, due to the Christmas and new year celebrations that were already at hand, I could not apply for an international passport at the Nigerian Immigration office immediately. I applied for it after the festive seasons were over. According to them, it will take at least three weeks for it to be ready, since it’s a new passport. To the glory of God, it became ready on the 14th of February 2022.

No doubt, the long time it took to process my international passport, lead to a delay in the authentication of my academic credentials at the Nigerian Ministries of Education and Foreign affairs. This in turn, lead to my late report at Addis Ababa University (AAU), Ethiopia.

Thanks to Ms Kebonye (BIUST), who on the order of the PAPSSN coordinator, made immediate arrangements for my flight ticket to Ethiopia and on the 25th of March 2022, I arrived the Bole International Airport, Ethiopia.

My Experience at Addis Ababa University

My arrival at the Bole International Airport, was greeted by a very serene environment. I arrived the airport around 11:30 pm and to my amazement, the driver the AAU PAPSSN contact person Prof Teshome Senbeta sent for me, was already at the airport and we immediately headed to AAU.

I took the Graduate Admission Test of AAU the next week (passed it!) and equally got my documents authenticated. Sequel to that, I obtained my resident permit and I became very relaxed to interact with these great people.

I came to the realization, that Ethiopia is blessed with very beautiful environment and people that have very rich cultural heritage. Honestly, the beauty here is exceptional and so far, I have been enjoying the company of these great people and their serene environment. Have equally began enjoying some of their native foods like Tibes ferfer (https://ethiopianfoodguide.com) and I look forward to learning how to prepare some of these foods.

My Research Work so Far

I began attending lectures at AAU on the 5th of April and wrote the first semester examinations on Phys 851-Cosmology, Phys 885-Quantum Electrodynamics and Phys 895-Seminar I in July, 2022. As “a dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work,” our determination and hard works paid off, as I obtained good grades in these courses.

The second semester will soon start and we are going to be faced with the remaining courses: Phys 892-Special Topics, Phys 896-Seminar II and Phys 899-dissertation.

I wish to thank in a special way, the PAPSSN coordinator, Prof. Fulvio Franchi and his team for their supports and the wonderful work they have been doing for the sustainability of the programme.

My appreciation also goes to my supervisor, Dr. F. F. Dirirsa, for his wonderful supervisions and encouragements.

Finally, my sincere appreciation goes to the AAU PAPSSN contact person, Dr. Teshome Senbeta, for being there for us at all times. Indeed, your cooperation and supports have made us to feel very welcomed and relaxed at both AAU and in Ethiopia.

Long live PAPSSN, long live the PAPSSN member countries, and the entire PAPSSN team.

God bless you all.

Life after a master’s degree

There is a saying that “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”. This is a piece of advice which means that one should not concentrate all efforts and resources in one area as one could lose everything. However, I decided to ignore this piece of advice. After graduating from the Russian State Hydrometeorological university, I had an offer from my then supervisor to continue a PhD programme under the Russian government scholarship. I decided to turn the offer down and focus on the Centre for Satellite Data in Environmental Science ( SENSE)  scholarship. The offer perfectly aligned with my PhD aspirations of conducting research in space and atmosphere sciences. In addition, the certificate after the programme is designed to feature the logos of the four core institutions involved in the training: the Universities of Edinburgh, Leeds, the National Oceanography Centre and the British Antarctic Survey . The question is, who wouldn’t like to receive that certificate? In spite of the numerous applications received, I made it to the top 40 applicants for the scholarship. I was optimistic about being selected, but to be no avail. The United Kingdom policy allowed the programme to fund only three international students. I was sad and heartbroken about the result. Devastated as it was, I left Russia for Ghana to start looking for a job and other offers. A lesson I have learnt in life is that you keep on pushing and believing until it becomes a reality. I always believed that something better was on my way ,and I needed to be patient. 

“The people you meet climbing the ladder are the same people you meet when descending, so be nice to everybody in this life of adventure”. Back at the undergraduate level, I had built good relationship with colleagues and course-mates, and this relationship saved me from a downhearted life after second degree. On the 20th of December, 2021, I received a call from a colleague about the PAPSSN scholarship. After the call,I quickly went to the PAPSSN website to read about their aims and goals. I found their core mission to align with my PhD aspirations.

PAPSSN journey

Upon hearing the good news from my colleague, I was left with 1-2weeks to submit my application before the offer expired. I had to prepare the necessary documents and apply for PhD scholarship at Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia). Days and weeks passed, and no news had been heard from the PAPSSN coordinator and the scholarship board. Once again, I was confident about the outcome of the results.

Finally, the good news arrived on the 6th of December, 2021. My heart and soul were engulfed with joy and happiness. I received a letter from PAPSSN coordinator (Prof Fulvio Franchi, BIUST) confirming my scholarship offer. After accepting the offer, I contacted the coordinator at the Host Institution (Prof. Teshome Senbeta) to inquire about the process for enrolment.

Nitty gritty and challenges

“Challenges are what make life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful” a quote by Joshua J. Marine. After accepting the offer, I needed to apply for a visa and authenticate my documents. The process became a nightmare. Getting a student visa became an obstacle in my mobility process. At that moment, the embassy (Ethiopian embassy) had stopped issuing paper visas, and every visa acquisition was done through the online system. However, the online portal excluded information about student visas from the website. Once the visa issue was sorted (more or less) I was ready to go. But, a day before my departure to Ethiopia, I tested positive for COVID-19 and couldn’t embark the trip. I was placed on medication for two weeks to recover. I was left with two weeks before my temporary visa to expire.

Life in Ethiopia (6 months later)

Finally, on 28th January 2022, I embarked my trip to Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia) to commence my studies. I left Ghana at 12: 00 pm (GMT) and got to Bole International Airport at 9:30 pm (EAT). Already the host coordinator had assigned someone to pick me up at the airport. On campus, he had prepared a conducive room at the International students’ hostel to accommodate me. The welcome I received from the Host university was exquisite.

One week after my arrival, I sat for the Graduate Admission Test (GAT) and got accepted to the university’s PhD programme. 

Next on the itinerary was a residence permit. Once again, the host coordinator appointed someone to assist me in the process. A week afterwards, I received my residence ID card. Now,I can linger in Addis Ababa and its surroundings without any predicament.

Once I was done with the university and the immigration processes, I finally enrolled as a Postgraduate student at Addis Ababa University. As usual, I registered for the courses for the semester and began attending class. I was introduced to my supervisor (Dr Gemechu Fanta) and other teaching and non-teaching staff. I was paid my settling-in and monthly stipend as stated in the agreement form. 

During the first semester, I took Seminar I, The Middle Atmosphere  and Computational Atmospheric and Space Physics. I took the seminar course with my supervisor. He, Dr Gemechu Fanta coached me on how to prepare for the seminar. He has been more than a supervisor. His support, coaching and desire to see me succeed are overwhelming. As of now, I have completed the semester’s courses and looking forward to the coming semester. Next semester, I will register for seminar II and special topics. The special- topics are related to my research topic (Investigation of lower-upper atmospheric and ionospheric coupling with remote sensing and model simulations). Given this, I will take Advance plasma physics and Thermospheric dynamics.

In life People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing. I cannot only talk about academics and leave social life behind. To enjoy Ethiopia, One has to taste their native food “Injera. As a routine with my friends, twice every week, we eat Injera, thus Ties frere and play football. 

PAPSSN benefits

As part of the measures by the PAPSSN consortium to ensure proper research and education, I received a brand new laptop from the host coordinator through the research fund. Moreover, the scholarship allocates 900 euros as a monthly stipend. And, I am happy to say that, this money always reflects in my account monthly. In addition to this, the PAPSSN consortium has our health matters at heart.

Remarks

There is a saying “ Give credit to whom credit is due” I would like to thank the PAPSSN consortium for giving me this opportunity to enroll in this scholarship. Special thanks go to Profs Fulvio Franchi and Teshome Senbeta, they have been very supportive of this course. Sincere gratitude to Mrs Chakandinakia Gadibotsile and Mrs Kebonye Tebogo for their assistance in purchasing insurance and flight ticket.

Also, heartfelt gratitude goes to my able supervisors Dr Gemechu Fanta, Profs Gizaw M. Tsidu & Leonard K.Amekudzi for their selfless effort toward my research. I say God bless you.

It was the end of April 2021, I was working on my PhD dissertation at Ethiopian Space Science and Geo-spatial Institute (ESSGI) when my supervisor Professor Mengistu sent me the link for the Pan African Planetary and Space Science Network (PAPSSN) mobility scholarship call.

I saw the call and read all the steps of the application again and again before starting the application process. At that time, I was not sure that the opportunity would be given to me because before that time I had applied so many times for several scholarship opportunities, and none was successful. This time I applied for a 12 months visit to BIUST to complete the work for my PhD thesis with my supervisor.

For several months, there was no notification coming from PAPSSN about the selection outcomes. I was already resigned that my application failed once again and I was discouraged until September 2021, when I received an email notifying me that I have been selected for the PAPSSN mobility program.

Preparation for the study trip

After I saw the nomination letter from the PAPPSN coordinator, I wrote an email to my supervisor in order to decide on my arrival at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST). Then I notified the date of my arrival to the coordinator of PAPSSN and submitted all the necessary documents for my travel.

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, getting an entry visa to Botswana was quite challenging. The Botswana Embassy in Ethiopia requested from me many documents as proof for my admission at BIUST, the travel ticket, nomination letter, invitation letter, and learning agreement to start my visa process. If you are not willing to spend a lot of time on paperwork there is no point for you to embark into an international scholarship application.

My Arrival at BIUST, Botswana.

My supervisor drove to Sir Seretse Khama International Airport to receive me upon my arrival. I am very grateful to Prof Mengistu for all the support secured while I was waiting to be transferred to my permanent accommodation. Palapye, the village where BIUST is located, is a very safe place with lots of accommodations for students and visiting staff. Most of these accommodations are in compounds where other students are staying.

After the accommodation was secured it was the time for me to open a bank account (where to receive my allowance), get a SIM card, and register at the School of Postgraduate Studies in order for me to get residence permit for my 12 months visit. All these took almost a month to be completed, but I was followed step by step by Mrs Chakandinakira, the project manager, and her team here at BIUST.

My work at BIUST so far…

In March, after I had settled down, all the basic processes for my registration were settled, I finally had the time to focus 100% on my Ph.D. with Prof. Mengistu. I have been asked to present my work in a seminar at the Earth and Environmental Science department.

I am currently working on the submission of my first paper and at the same time working on the analysis of the second part of my Ph. D project titled‘ Dynamics of surface water quality derived from satellite remote sensing: Insights from water quality contrasts of Lake Tana in Ethiopia and Okavango Delta in Botswana’.

I am grateful to Pan African Planetary and Space Science Network (PAPSSN) project Coordinator Prof. Fulvio Franchi, the project Manager Mrs. Chakandinakira Gadibotsile and the entire PAPSSN selection committee for this unique opportunity. I also would like to express my special, deep and sincere gratitude to the project coordinator Prof. Fulvio Franchi and the project Manager Mrs. Chakandinakira Gadibotsile for their efforts in ensuring that my allowance is paid on time.

I want to use this chance to say thanks to the PAPSSN mobility project management for this chance which doesn’t only help students to attain their dreams, but also contributes to empowering them to be able to face the development challenges in Africa. I’m deeply honored to be selected for this award which may surely contribute to the development of my career as young researchers and allow me to return to my country (Ethiopia) with far more knowledge and experience.

Finally, I would like to thank my supervisor, Prof. Mengistu, for his limitless support and sort advice for an excellent and efficient implementation of my Ph.D. research. Finally, I express my gratitude to the community of Botswana International University of Science and Technology for their support.

Palapye is a great place to spend time for study and research.