Columba-Hypatia is a science outreach project which takes place on the post-conflict
island of Cyprus, with the aim of using astronomy as a tool for promoting meaningful
communication and a culture of peace and non-violence.
ACTIVITIES
- fun and educational astronomy activities in schools all around Cyprus, children are
taught about oue place in the cosmos within the modern astronomical context - children from the two main ethnic communities (the Greek-Cypriot; Turkish-Cypriots)
come together in the UN-controlled buffer zone - astronomy activities adapted to promote interaction between the children, to help
break down barriers, stereotypes and prejudices
START OF THE PROJECT
01.05.2016
ORGANISATION
GalileoMobile Association for Historical Dialogue and Research
COSTS
7,000-10,000 Euros per year depending on variations in yearly implementations (some
examples of the major costs: renting buses to bring the children to the buffer zone,
donating educational materials and telescopes to the schools, translator fees, renting
the venues where we carry out the bicommunal activities, lunch for the children on the
days of the bicommunal activities, transportation fees for the facilitators etc.)
IMPACT
Between 7-8 schools of 40 children each that’s 300 children per year
TARGET GROUP
Children in primary schools (ages 9-12) around the island
PARTNERS
International Astronomical Union
KEY LEARNINGS
- The power of astronomy in bridging gaps between people and bringing them
together “under the same sky - How easily barriers and stereotypes can be broken down when children are
placed together in a fun and safe environment and allowed to interact and get
to know each other - The importance of interdisciplinary projects, of bringing together scientists,
science educators and experts on peace education to work together, and how
positive the outcome can be.