0:00A travelling planetarium backed by a R1.3 million donation will bring immersive space science and VR experiences to rural schoolchildren across South Africa.
Iziko Museums/Supplied
- A travelling planetarium backed by a R1.3 million donation will bring immersive space science and VR experiences to rural schoolchildren across South Africa.
- The Iziko Mobile Planetarium features an inflatable dome with 360-degree digital storytelling and 10 VR headsets, delivering astronomy shows aligned with school curricula.
- The programme kicks off with pilot testing and aims to reach thousands of pupils annually, with a focus on African indigenous astronomy and STEM inspiration.
Rural schoolchildren who have never looked through a telescope will soon have a planetarium that can roll up to their homes, with no trip to the city required.
The Iziko Mobile Planetarium, backed by a R1.3 million donation from Amazon, is bringing the universe to underserved communities across South Africa.
The travelling facility includes an advanced inflatable dome, a specialised transport vehicle, and 10 desk-mounted virtual reality headsets.
According to acting Iziko Museums CEO Bongani Ndhlovu, the unit “acts as an immersive gateway to the stars,” offering remote-area pupils “an unforgettable glimpse into our universe.”
Inside the dome, pupils will experience 360-degree digital storytelling, while the VR headsets let them interactively explore night skies and natural ecosystems.
The mobile unit will travel directly to schools and libraries in rural and farming towns nationwide.
The programme also highlights African indigenous astronomy, with all shows and activities aligned to school subjects to boost science literacy and spark interest in STEM careers.
“Our mission has always been to make heritage and science accessible to all,” said Ndhlovu.
A travelling planetarium backed by a R1.3 million donation will bring immersive space science and VR experiences to rural schoolchildren across South Africa.
Iziko Museums/Supplied
Amazon’s chief global affairs and legal officer, David Zapolsky, said the company backed the initiative to make sure curiosity was already ignited when connectivity reached the target communities.
“These are the communities we’re building this network for,” he said.
The programme begins with pilot testing before launching a nationwide outreach tour, expanding each year to reach thousands more pupils.
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