There is a severe shortage of interactive educational science centres in East, West and Central Africa, and very few active planetariums in the whole continent. There is just one mention of a hands-on science centre and a couple of planetariums in Southern Africa, one in North Africa, and little else in between.
From a background of teaching Biochemistry to University students and a range of other activities, Dr Jacob Ashong has had a dream to create a science centre and planetarium in Ghana for a number of years. Part of the inspiration came from a visit to the Exploratorium in San Francisco in the 1980's, and later from centres nearer home such as the Science Centre in Herstmonceux, Sussex, UK, located at the site where the Royal Greenwich Observatory was housed for many years after its move from London. Up until recently a shortage of funds and lack of a suitable space have made it difficult to proceed with the Ghana Science Project.
Now though, the planetarium project has become a reality and they are looking for volunteers with an interest in running planetarium shows, who may wish to stay for a few weeks or a month or two.
Placement Opportunities:
- Planetarium Assistant A Planetarium Assistant is required to teach astronomy to all age groups. The ideal volunteer will have a background in science and IT Technology so they can help to ensure the smooth running of the technology.
- Project Coordinator A Project Coordinator is required to help with the day-to-day running of the centre, administration and to coordinate programmes. A background in science and project coordination would be most beneficial.
