In this series called ‘Meet the UNAWE ambassadors!’ we introduce our ambassadors, who always work hard throughout the year to educate children about Astronomy and inspire them with our wonderful cosmos. Every month we put one of our unsung heroes in the spotlight. In this month’s episode, we introduce Zakaria Belhaj from Morocco!
Name: Zakaria Belhaj
Age: 32 Years
Country: Morocco
Institute: Engineering Mohammedia School / Casablanca Astronomical Association
Study/Profession: Engineer in materials science, mathematics (PhD student) / Senior Quality Engineer at HPS
Interests: Astrophotography, Astronomy Education
Favorite food: Moroccan Tajin
Most fun UNAWE experience: During a workshop of cutting and pasting the solar system with a group of children, I projected a picture of planets in order of distance from the Sun. One of the children noticed that the sunny side of some planets is wrong. Although I repeated the workshop several times, I never made the remark. I stayed upset by this incredible remark.
Reasons for joining UNAWE ambassador programme: I’ve loved astronomy since my childhood, but unfortunately I haven’t had the opportunity to practice it until I was 16. Because of this, the UNAWE programme attracted me to give the opportunity that I didn’t have to children around me, and to participate in their education by promoting science among young people to stimulate their interest in science and technology.
Favorite UNAWE resource: The Invisible Universe
Favorite aspect of Astronomy: The riddles of the Universe, the beautiful nebulae and galaxies, astrophotography, stargazing, sharing the beauty of the Universe with children
Plans for next UNAWE activity:
3rd Festival of Astronomy, Ifrane, Morocco will take place from 4 to 7 September 2014
The next World Space Week, 4-10 October 2014 ( I’m the national coordinator)
International Year of Light 2015
Message I want to give to kids around the world: There’s no better way to really learn astronomy than to go outside and look up. This gives you a great opportunity to get fresh air, go camping in the backyard, light a campfire, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Anything else: With astronomy we can live in peace and love underneath one sky and without borders!
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