IT’S all systems go for the touchdown of former NASA astronaut, Dr Don Thomas. His tour will include a visit to Amstelhof Primary on Wednesday at 09:00 to share his experiences of life and work as an astronaut and to motivate learners to follow careers in mathematics and science.
Thomas is currently Director of the Hackerman Academy of Mathematics and Science in Maryland, USA, an outreach programme targeting both primary school and high school learners to promote the awareness of and careers in mathematics and science.
Entrance is free to members of the public, but booking is essential and tickets will be granted on a first-come-first-served basis.
Contact Busi Phongolo at the Scifest Africa Office on 046 603 1106 or busisiwe@scifest.org.za for more information.
Thomas is over the moon about his visit to South Africa. “I look forward to the opportunity to meeting learners in South Africa, talking to them, understanding their challenges and showing them that a career in space sciences is not out of their reach.
“South Africans are also so warm, friendly and generous, and I cannot wait to meet the people of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape and see these beautiful parts of the country.”
The tour to the Western Cape is hosted by Scifest Africa, South Africa’s National Science Festival, and is sponsored by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and its affiliated Systemic Education and Extra- mural Development Support (SEEDS) Programme.
