Category Archives: Sub-Saharan Africa

OAD Grant Enables Resumption of Academic Activities at Burkina University

Burkina Faso university

The Protect Our Stars project supported a Burkina Faso university in setting up the necessary conditions for the resumption of academic activities while protecting students and staff. The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the health system, the economy and especially the educational sector in countries like Burkina Faso. In order to support the university in the […]

Pan-African School for Emerging Astronomers

The Pan-African School for Emerging Astronomers (PASEA) is an innovative short course for African university students, held by an African-led international collaboration. PASEA aims to build a critical mass of astronomers in Africa and exchange ideas about teaching across continents. PASEA was previously the West African International Summer School for Young Astronomers (WAISSYA) which was […]

Astronomy Observatory Staff Assist Community During the Pandemic

Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory Staff Assist Community

The Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory (GRAO) staff assisted their surrounding community by providing masks, soaps, sanitisers, and sensitising them about COVID-19 and how to protect themselves. PRAGSAC in collaboration with the Ghana Space Science Technology Institute (GSSTI), the Assembly woman of Kutunse electoral area and the Director of the NCCE for GA West/Amasaman engaged seven […]

Astronomy Citizen Science Engages Students During COVID-19

astronomy citizen science

An astronomy citizen science project trained students to classify images as part of a SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) program. The aim was to address students’ lack of academic engagement during school and university closures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of the citizen science project is the search for extraterrestrial intelligence […]

Final report

As all education moved online due to COVID, a number of initiatives came up to support students. Tutors however were not always priority recipients for support. This project used the OAD grant to pay for data bundles and tutors time. This additional support made a big difference to the lecturers, the tutors, and most importantly, […]