Caritas Kyrgyzstan
In 2024, an educational project aimed at promoting astronomy education among children and teachers from disadvantaged families and remote regions of Kyrgyzstan was successfully implemented. The project covered schools in Jalal-Abad, Batken, and Naryn regions and involved several key stages, marking a significant step forward in education and scientific development for the participants.
Stages of Project Implementation
The project began in March 2024 with the selection of schools wishing to take part in the programme. As a result, 12 schools were selected to prepare for participation in the project, culminating in a summer astronomy camp by Issyk-Kul Lake. The students went through three preparation stages:
1. Building Models of Satellites and Dwarf Planets. In the first stage, students were tasked with constructing models of one of the solar system’s satellites or dwarf planets, using recycled materials found at home. This provided an opportunity for creativity while introducing students to astronomy through hands-on activities.
2. Exhibition of Models. The second stage involved organising exhibitions at schools, where students showcased their models. During the exhibitions, they shared their knowledge with classmates, teachers, and parents, deepening their understanding of astronomy.
3. Knowledge Testing. In the final stage, students took tests to assess their knowledge, which helped identify the top students to attend the summer astronomy camp.
Based on test results, eight students were selected from each school, and for the boarding school No. 75, nine students and two teachers were allowed to participate.
Astronomy Summer Camp at Issyk-Kul
The summer camp, organised at Children’s Rehabilitation Centre in Issyk-Kul, was the highlight of the project. It was divided into two shifts: from 29 July to 2 August and from 6 to 10 August. During the camp, participants had the chance to attend lectures by renowned astronomers such as Adam Malinovsky and Dmitry Vinogradov, and take part in practical sessions, observing celestial bodies through telescopes.
The camp focused not only on theoretical knowledge but also on developing teamwork skills, organising lessons, and sharing experiences with other schools. For many students from remote regions, this was a unique opportunity to connect with others, learn about different cultures, and interact with children with special needs, which enriched their life experience.
Impact on Participants
The project had a significant impact on both students and teachers. Not only did students acquire in-depth knowledge about satellites and dwarf planets, but they also developed public speaking, teamwork, and technology skills, such as using special apps to photograph the night sky. Furthermore, activities like mountain excursions and trips to the city of Karakol allowed participants to expand their horizons and discover more about their homeland.
Teachers noted that participation in the project had a positive effect on students’ overall academic performance, including in subjects unrelated to astronomy. Parents expressed gratitude for providing their children with not only new knowledge but also the chance to experience new places they otherwise could not afford to visit.
Lessons Learned
One of the key takeaways was that giving students more responsibility in organising the camp and lessons increased their engagement and sense of responsibility. Lessons prepared by students themselves turned out to be not only beneficial for others but also highly interesting for those who created them.
Additionally, despite the risk, the organisers decided to introduce a scoring system and awards at the end of the camp, which significantly boosted students’ participation. This approach helped students learn to compete fairly and behave gracefully in victory or defeat.
Future Prospects
The project has been deemed highly successful by participants, school administrations, parents, and teachers. Going forward, the organisers plan to continue and expand the project, hoping for continued support from partners such as Renovabis.
This project has become an important step in popularising astronomy and science among children and teachers, especially in the disadvantaged and remote areas of Kyrgyzstan. It has provided new opportunities for students who otherwise would not have had access to such knowledge and experiences.
