Animal Keeper's Association of Africa

The South African Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs Naledi Pandor, today launched the IAU Global Office of Astronomy for Development at the headquarters of the South African Astronomical Observatory.

The Global Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) is a partnership between the IAU and the South African National Research Foundation to coordinate a wide range of worldwide activities designed to use astronomy as a tool for education and development. This is part of the realisation of a visionary decadal plan by the IAU entitled “Astronomy for the Developing World”. This plan aims to use astronomy to stimulate development at all levels including primary, secondary and tertiary education, science research and the public understanding of science, building on the success of the International Year of Astronomy 2009. In a strong partnership between the IAU and the South African government, the OAD began its work on 1st March 2011.

 

Links:

1. Speech by the Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor (PDF)
2. Speech by President of the International Astronomical Union, Bob Williams (PDF)
3. Speech by Director of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (PDF)
4. IAU press release
5. OAD Launch photos
6. Youtube video

 

Contact:
Kevin Govender
Director Global Office of Astronomy for Development
Cell: +27 824 878 466
Email: kg(at)saao.ac.za