Speaker
Samyukta Manikumar
(Noctura/DarkSky International)
Description
Astronomy outreach in African contexts may struggle with sustained engagement when it relies on Western scientific frameworks and one-way knowledge transfer. This presentation explores how integrating indigenous and cultural astronomical knowledge has the potential to create more effective community engagement. Drawing on recent outreach training in Botswana and guide education programs in East Africa, I discuss the value of dialogue-based approaches that honour what communities already know about their night skies. When outreach meets people where they are, and builds on existing cultural knowledge rather than replacing it, astronomy becomes locally relevant and meaningful.