Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy project focuses on Astronomy and Aerospace

More than 6,000 children have taken part in the 'Reach for the Sky' project launched earlier this Ramadan by the Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy in cooperation with Sesame Workshop, sponsored by Mubadala Aerospace and supported by Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi.

The venture combines characters from the legendary Sesame Street children’s TV Programme and the Museum of Flight, which Mubadala Aerospace is exclusively presenting at this event, to create a show aimed at stimulating children’s desire to learn more about science and technology.

Dr. Abdullah Ismail Abdullah, Senior Advisor to the Foundation’s Science, Technology and Environment Programme, which initiated the project, said: “The large number of visitors reflected the children’s desire to learn more about outer space, astronomy, and the concepts of flight, as well as to enjoy Sesame Street characters.

“We noticed the children’s enthusiasm to learn more about outer space while watching them working hard on making their own rockets and assembling and operating robots. There are also children who come every day to try something new.”

He said the show expected to attract 10,000 children before it closed.

He added: “We believe in attracting students to science and technology at a young age and giving them the right support and direction to help them decide their future.

“Our long term goal is to identify and encourage new scientific talent within the UAE, so that we can eventually create a database of Emiratis willing to serve their country in the fields of science, technology and scientific research.”

Shahab Abu Shahab, Manager, Business Development Mubadala Aerospace, said: “Mubadala Aerospace is working closely with UAE schools, universities and colleges to embed science, engineering and aerospace into their curricula. Working on this project with the Emirates Foundation serves our mutual goal of enabling young UAE Nationals to gain the skills to be part of this industry.”

Among those attending the event was Dana Abdul Haq (8 years) who said she gained valuable information about the phases of the moon and its relation to the Arabic Calendar.

Asia Mohammad (10 years) said she enjoyed watching the Sesame Street characters performing on stage and the information they passed on about the planets and the solar system. Asia also praised The Flying Gizmo Show by Museum of Flight, which helped her learn about the first flying creatures and the concept of flight.

Said Ali (11 years) said he loved the event and had come every day with his father to make different robots, taking into consideration that each planet has a different surface. He said that before the event he wanted to be a policeman, but now he is thinking about becoming an aviation engineer. Said’s father said he was kept busy answering his son’s endless questions about space, astronomy, the moon and stars.

Abdullah Ahmad, who attended with his three children, said he would love to see different organisations collaborate to produce similar events that encourage a new generation of Emirati scientists and researchers.

The 'Reach for the Sky' activities are being held each night at the Marina Mall Abu Dhabi, throughout the Holy month of Ramadan. On weekdays, shows commence at 9:30pm and finish at midnight. On weekends the shows run from 9:30pm to 1am.