Columba Hypatia

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Francesca Fragkoudi