Nedbank fuels scientific education with N$450,000 donation to UNAM / AMT mobile planetarium

Addressing educational disparities in Namibia, particularly in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), Nedbank Namibia has made a substantial contribution of four hundred and fifty thousand Namibia dollars (N$450,000) to the University of Namibia (UNAM) / AMT Mobile Planetarium. The handover ceremony took place at the UNAM premises on 23 November 2023.

The initiative aims to enhance the accessibility and quality of science education, especially in remote areas, where such resources are scarce. The donation will be disbursed over the next three years at a total of N$150 000 per annum.

The UNAM / AMT Mobile Planetarium, an inflatable, interactive facility, is designed to bring the wonders of the cosmos directly to students across Namibia. The Planetarium addresses a critical need in the Namibian educational landscape to provide hands-on astronomical education and inspire young minds in the field of astrophysics. The mobile facility will offer a range of programmes tailored to different educational levels, from basic stargazing to exploring complex phenomena such as black holes and distant galaxies. The interactive nature of these programmes will engage students directly, allowing them to learn from and work alongside expert astronomers.

Martha Murorua, Managing Director of Nedbank Namibia, emphasised the strategic importance of this investment, stating: “Our support aligns with our effort to deliver value to society by supporting community development initiatives and enhancing access to educational opportunities in STEM. It is an embodiment of our belief in the transformative power of education and the upliftment of our youth because they are the ones who will shoulder the mantle of progress.”

The success of the planetarium was evident in the pilot phase of the project. In 2019, technical partners, the Africa Millimetre Telescope programme, Radboud University, and the Netherlands Research School for Astronomy trained experts in Namibia, visiting a number of schools in remote areas such as Erongo and Nkurenkuru. During this visit, more than 1,500 children were introduced to the planetarium concept in a matter of days. In May 2022, the first two Namibian planetarium operators, Lott Frans and Hiiko Katjaita, were trained to conduct shows and train other trainees. Since then, the planetarium has visited more than fifty (50) different locations, reaching more than eight thousand two hundred (8,200) attendees.

Further long-term goals for the planetarium project include creating interactive resources for educators to utilise in conjunction with the shows and collaborating with the National Institute for Educational Development (NIED) to enhance the presence and integration of astronomy within Namibia’s educational curriculum.

The anticipated impact of this project extends beyond immediate educational outcomes. By fostering greater interest in the field of STEM, particularly in astrophysics, the planetarium has the potential to be a springboard to cultivate a generation of professionals equipped for the demands of future jobs. These roles, often complex and high-skilled, could enhance the earning potential of these future scientists and contribute substantially to Namibia’s economic development.