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SUMMARY:O10 - Democratizing Access to the Cosmos: The Role of Local Astron
 omy Organizations in Promoting Science Literacy
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20261123T083000Z
DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20261123T084500Z
DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20261112T143410Z
UID:indico-contribution-911@indico.narit.or.th
DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Mark Anthony Aguilando (Valenzuela City League of As
 tronomy Enthusiasts (V-CLUE))\nAstronomy and space science remain among th
 e fields that receive limited exposure in formal education\, creating a ne
 ed for accessible and community-driven science engagement initiatives. The
  Valenzuela City League of Astronomy Enthusiasts (V-CLUE) was established 
 to address this gap by promoting astronomy and space science in Valenzuela
  City and the wider CAMANAVA (Caloocan\, Malabon\, Navotas\, and Valenzuel
 a) area through public lectures\, astronomy workshops\, telescope viewing 
 sessions\, and school-based outreach programs. Utilizing public spaces suc
 h as libraries and parks\, V-CLUE has created opportunities for communitie
 s to engage with astronomy beyond traditional classroom settings.\n\nOne o
 f the organization’s major milestones was the implementation of Project 
 TALA (Teaching Astronomy to Local Audience)\, the first astronomy summer s
 chool camp in Valenzuela City and the pioneering youth-focused astronomy p
 roject in the Philippines. The program catered to high school students and
  first-year undergraduate students aged 15–18\, providing lessons and ha
 nds-on activities in astronomy and space science topics rarely encountered
  in formal education\, including telescope operations and observational as
 tronomy.\n\nDespite its achievements\, sustaining a volunteer-driven scien
 ce organization presents challenges\, including maintaining member engagem
 ent\, ensuring organizational continuity\, developing innovative public pr
 ograms\, establishing institutional partnerships\, and addressing financia
 l limitations. To overcome these barriers\, V-CLUE has focused on strength
 ening volunteer motivation\, continuously developing new activities\, coll
 aborating with government and private institutions\, and seeking external 
 support for program expansion.\n\nThrough partnerships with local librarie
 s\, youth development offices\, the Philippine Space Agency\, DepEd Valenz
 uela\, and other organizations\, V-CLUE demonstrates the importance of col
 laboration in advancing science literacy. The organization’s experience 
 highlights that grassroots astronomy initiatives can effectively promote p
 ublic interest in space science while empowering volunteers and youth. Sus
 taining such efforts requires continuous community involvement\, instituti
 onal support\, and recognition of science communication as an essential co
 mponent of national development.\n\nKeywords: astronomy outreach\, science
  communication\, volunteerism\, youth empowerment\, community engagement\,
  space science education\n\nhttps://indico.narit.or.th/event/238/contribut
 ions/911/
LOCATION:Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort Ballroom II
URL:https://indico.narit.or.th/event/238/contributions/911/
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