Murmansk, Russia
Fourteen-year-old Kenneth Majdoub proudly represented Ghana on the sixth Icebreaker of Knowledge international scientific and educational expedition to the geographic North Pole. He was among 66 outstanding students from 21 countries who spent 10 days aboard the 50 Let Pobedy nuclear icebreaker, combining science, exploration, and cultural exchange.
For Kenneth, the youngest Ghanaian ever to reach the North Pole, the journey was more than an adventure.
“Being here showed me that science can change the world. I want young people in Ghana to know that we, too, can dream big and use nuclear energy and technology to make our country stronger,” he said.
Science, Exploration, and Cultural Exchange
During the expedition, students attended lectures from leading experts in nuclear and space technology, carried out experiments possible only in polar latitudes, and explored the operation of a nuclear-powered icebreaker. Rosatom and Roscosmos also used the Arctic environment to test simplified rover models designed for geological exploration on other planets.
The expedition featured cultural exchanges as well. Chinese participant Alisa Li presented a three-meter-long traditional scroll depicting the 50 Let Pobedy alongside motifs symbolizing Russia-China friendship. The scroll was signed by fellow participants and the ship’s captain, Ruslan Sasov, beneath the motto of the Russian nuclear industry’s 80th anniversary: “Pride. Inspiration. Dreaming.”
“This is the second year in a row that the Arctic has been explored not only by Russian students, but also by schoolchildren from around the world. The excitement on their faces is the true value of the Icebreaker of Knowledge,” Sasov said.
Egyptian participant Mahmoud Said Morsi added:
“I am proud to be one of the few Egyptians to have reached the North Pole. This was not only an opportunity to witness the operations of a nuclear icebreaker but also to represent Egypt as we build our first nuclear power units at El Dabaa with Russia’s support.”
Ghana and the Nuclear Future
Kenneth’s participation reflects Ghana’s growing interest in peaceful nuclear energy. The country is currently working with international partners, including Russia, to explore nuclear technology for electricity generation, health, and industrial applications. For many, Kenneth symbolizes a new generation of Ghanaian scientists who may one day lead the nation’s clean energy future.
In celebration of Russia’s National Flag Day, expedition participants unfurled a large Russian tricolor during their return to Murmansk.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The Icebreaker of Knowledge project, organized by the Nuclear Industry Information Centers with support from Rosatom, aims to nurture young scientific talent, promote STEM education, and guide students toward careers in nuclear and related fields. Since its inception, more than 400 schoolchildren worldwide have taken part in Arctic expeditions.
The 2025 edition coincided with two milestones: the 80th anniversary of Russia’s nuclear industry and the 500th anniversary of the first exploration of the Northern Sea Route
