Astronomical outreach and education in marginalised and indigenous communities: astronomy as a tool for social development

TL;DR

This paper discusses astronomy outreach and education projects in marginalized and indigenous communities in Brazil, emphasizing their role in social development and cultural inclusion, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contribution

It introduces novel outreach initiatives that integrate ethno-astronomy and community collaboration to promote social inclusion and education in vulnerable populations.

Findings

Enhanced engagement of marginalized communities in astronomy.

Successful integration of cultural elements into science education.

Positive impact on community social development.

Abstract

The way we look at the sky is connected to the cosmological paradigm embraced by the society we live in. On the other hand, several astronomical concepts reinforce the idea of a common humanity. Yet, scientific outreach is frequenty reaching out only to a specific part of the world population, often excluding people living in extreme social vulnerability, victims of violence and prejudice, fighting for their lives and for the right of living according to their traditions. We present two outreach projects, developed in Brazil, funded by the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), i.e. 'Under Other Skies' and 'OruMbya', which tackle the importance of ethno-astronomy, and the collaboration with leaders and cultural agents of marginalised communities. We also describe an educational project born in the favela of Cantagalo Pav\~ao Pava\~azinho (PPG), in Rio de Janeiro, during the COVID19 pandemic, which started a collaboration with local educators and artists to offer classes of astronomy and English language to children in the favela