[AstroNet] Science Centres gather in Sutherland

[Kevin Govender]

Greetings all
It's time for science outreach brainstorming with a difference!
This is just a quick email to let you know that the Southern African 
Association of Science and Technology Centres will be gathering in 
Sutherland next week for their annual conference. The venue was chosen, 
of course, because of this year being the International Year of 
Astronomy. There's a string of very interesting discussions that will be 
taking place - more information about the conference available on 
www.saastec.co.za.

The theme of this year's conference is "Reach for the Stars".
With 4 sub-themes:

    * International Year of Astronomy
    * Darwin and Evolution
    * Best Practice at Science Centres (i.e. health and safety,
      marketing, legal issues, insurance -- etc)
    * Successful Innovative Programmes that are worth replicating at
      other science centres.

It's a huge event for many science centre staff as they will have the 
opportunity to see first hand the telescope which they teach people 
about - the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). We will be moving 
about 110 people from across the country (and some from beyond our 
borders) to Sutherland next week for a real "star safari" conference. 
The town of Sutherland has really come together to pool efforts and host 
a conference of this magnitude. Kudos to the people of Sutherland! 
Perhaps more such conferences will help the economy in the area - that's 
our hope anyway.

If anyone would like some news about the happenings please contact me 
(Kevin Govender) on 0824878466 or Thembela Mantungwa on 0711050109 or 
watch this space.

Regards
Kevin


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