Sustainable Development through Space Education for Children in Developing Countries
- Paper number
IAC-22,E1,IPB,10,x71009
- Author
Ms. Lily Rospeen Asongfac, Cameroon, Youths for Sustainable Space Development
- Coauthor
Dr. Andre Yvan ZOLO OSSOU, South Africa
- Year
2022
- Abstract
Space is important in the sustainable development of Low and middle-income countries (LMICs) and considerable efforts are put in place to help in the creation and development of space sectors in LMICs. Capacity building is capital in making sure that the space sector remains viable for generations. Space education is critical in awakening interest in Space. Educating children about Space often sparks their curiosity and encourages both genders to become involved in Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. A context-specific approach is needed when educating children on any topic because this facilitates their understanding and stimulates their ingenuity. Efforts geared towards educating children on Space in LMICs should be based on their daily experience and tools familiar to these children should be used. Providing the children with adapted storybooks, comic books and video games that helps them learn concepts about Space development and technologies, creating Space museums and planetariums in LMICs as well as organizing space boot camps where the children will learn about space exploration, see instruments used in space exploration as well as touch these instruments will certainly go a long way to increase their knowledge and interest in Space. Documentaries and movies involve visual stimuli and imagination, all coupled with basic experiments and practical sessions which involve tactile stimuli will permit children to easily remember concepts learned and put these into practice when need be. In conclusion, there is a need to efficiently involve the younger generation through space education so as to promote quality education, reduce inequalities as well as facilitate industry innovation and infrastructure, all necessary for the sustainable development of the space sector in LMICs. This requires the active engagement of all stakeholders involved in Space development in LMICs.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-22,E1,IPB,10,x71009.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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