Taking science to the regions
Support for AMT floods in
Since the launch of the Africa Millimetre Telescope (AMT) project in May 2022, the mobile planetarium has accommodated 12 000 people.The planetarium was donated by the AMT project to UNAM, to give back to the Namibian community.
According to the AMT liaison officer Zandre Duvenhage, not everyone can become scientists but this project may just change the way some students feel about math and science. “Through this project we want Namibians to be curious and learn more to become problem solvers,” he said.
He added that one of the challenges they experience is logistics saying that is difficult to get the planetarium to remote locations.”
However, in reaction, the Namibian business community took hands and offered their support. Gondwana Collection opened its accommodation facilities for the team travelling through Namibia to bring the mobile planetarium closer to them, while the Lithon Foundation sponsored a vehicle to make travelling more accessible together with administrative support.
Nedbank also recently pledged N$450 000 over the next three years, and Fly Namibia pledged a flight once a month for the next two years, making sure the team reaches remote locations.
The General Manager of Fly Namibia, Nerine Uys said this is more than a collaboration. “It's a gateway to a brighter future for the children of Namibia. We believe in the power of aviation to connect people. Together we are opening the doors to a world of possibilities,” she said.
This announcement event took place together with the launch of the Open Up photo exhibition at the Village Garden, showcasing photos of the project over the last 18 months.