On Monday, 4 November 2024, the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), host of the OAD, organised the first Employee Recognition Awards. The event celebrated outstanding achievements and long-standing service among NRF-SAAO staff, with awardees recognised for their exceptional contributions across various fields. Two members of the OAD team received awards Nuhaah Solomon – Administrative ExcellenceHonoured […]
Author Archives: Ram Venugopal
2024, Astronomy and Science education in remote Honduras, Central America
Community Astronomy Program in Remote Honduras
22
Oct
Oct
The project set up an educational program in the remote community of El Rincón in Honduras. Residents of El Rincón live in conditions of extreme poverty with little access to education. Nearly all families work on coffee fields, including young children, who are expected to help their families. The program delivered in-person and online activities […]
2024, Middle East and North Africa, Pan-African School for Emerging Astronomers 2024
Pan-African Astronomy School Influences Career Choice of Students
22
Oct
Oct
The Pan-African School for Emerging Astronomers (PASEA) 2024 was the sixth in the series of this school which was first hosted in Abuja, Nigeria as the West African International Summer School for Young Astronomers (WAISSYA) in 2013. This edition of the Summer School was hosted by the Monastir Science Palace, Tunisia from 28th August 2024 […]
2023, A small corner of the stars : An initiative for development of local communities in "La Tatacoa", Latin America + Caribbean
Colombian Project Fosters Astrotourism Among Local Community
16
Oct
Oct
This project aimed to leverage the rich natural, heritage, and cultural resources of Tatacoa to enhance science education and astrotourism. Located in southern Colombia, Tatacoa is renowned for its clear skies, minimal light pollution, and diverse landscapes, making it an ideal site for astronomical observations and scientific tourism. We adopted a multi-faceted approach to achieve […]
2024, Sub-Saharan Africa, Tactile Experience: An Astronomy Development Tool for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Tactile Astronomy Workshop for BVI Students in Nigeria
12
Oct
Oct
The Astro-Tac project reached out to students with special needs, especially the blind and visually impaired, in Nigeria through tactile experience. It aimed at increasing the participants’ knowledge in astronomy, space science, and engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities. The Astro-Tac project engaged 125 participants, mainly undergraduate and postgraduate students with special […]