Outreach and Education Background:
The African continent is home to a vast diversity of peoples, languages, and traditions. One of the many unifying threads that binds nations is the sky above that holds a special place in African cultures and thinking. Astronomy outreach aims to align this unification with the knowledge revealed by science on the Universe. The African Astronomical Society (Af2.1. AS) itself has been reconstituted in 2019 in an exciting era of African astronomy. The continent is host to some of the largest global infrastructures such as SALT, SKA/MeerKAT and HESS; this has provided an initial impetus for universities to offer courses at all levels in astronomy. The resultant increase in visibility and interest in astronomy amongst the public now needs to be nurtured further by enhancing the public’s understanding of contemporary research and its benefit to society as well as improving science literacy through on-going public engagement activities. Many countries in Africa have active and enthusiastic astronomy practitioner who can be found within amateur astronomy associations, tertiary institutions, science centres, schools and college clubs. The Outreach Committee of AfAS therefore needs to be an active participant in this ecosystem, supporting their work, encouraging new groups and people, and connecting all of them across Africa.
Outreach and Education Objectives:
To support and enhance existing astronomy outreach efforts across Africa.
To establish and coordinate a network of astronomy outreach professionals across
Africa, building on existing formal/informal partnerships.
To increase science and astronomy literacy across Africa and enhance the presence of astronomy in the public domain.
To create and curate reliable and accessible resource material on astronomy for the general public, learners and teachers.
To promote astronomy in African countries where currently there is little or no interest.
Outreach and Education Members:
Nikhita Ramkilowan (Chair)
Bramuel Nakholi (Vice chair)
Joseph Mafuka Lusala (General member)
Amenti Daniel Emiru (General member)
Samuel Nyangi (General member)
Suhaila Ibrahim Tantoush (General member)
Slimene Sedrette (General member)
Jamal Mimouni (General member)
Abdelmajid Benhida (General member)
Boitumelo Gaolape (General member)
Thandile Vuntu (General member)
Nicholas Chisala Kasoma (General member)
Toivo Samuel Mabote (General member)
Simphiwe Madlanga (General member)
Adaeze Ibik (General member)
Albert Forson (General member)
Miracle Chibuzor (General member)
Olayinka Fagbemiro (General member)
Mike Simmons (General member)
Niruj Mohan Ramanujam (General member)
Sally Macfarlane (Advisor)
Duduzile Kubheka (Advisor)