Permission to Dream Announced
![[IMAGE]](../../../images/about/hal_with_kids.jpg)
Students at Ysterplatt Primary school accepting the new 100mm telescopeA-MAN, Inc., Los Angeles, CA. March 2002—Led by world-famous astronomer Alan Hale, co-discoverer of the Hale-Bopp comet, Permission to Dream (PTD) is creating a global community of schools committed to sharing the wonder of the sky and the precious characteristics of their home planet with their students.
Permission to Dream is an international educational charity based in Los Angeles, California. PTD lends telescopes to schools around the world, and then connects those schools together via the Internet. PTD supports the schools by linking them with local astronomy groups and provides relevant curriculum and lesson plans. PTD is dedicated to using the excitement of astronomy to inspire children about their universe, their Earth, and their own potential.
In South Africa, Hal and Bettye Walker, partners of PTD, are leading this global education mission. They are the Co-founders of the Los Angeles based A -MAN, Inc., International Science Discovery & Learning Center. Dr. Bettye Walker is a former elementary and secondary school principal from Los Angeles. Prof. Hildreth (Hal) Walker led the successful team that completed the initial laser ranging experiment during the Apollo 11 moon landing of Neil Armstrong in 1969. Mr. Nicholas Piedt, a community activist is the A-MAN/SA project contacts liaison.
Cape Town Schools that have been selected to participate by the Department of Education are:
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Mr. Johann J. Kruger, Principal
Mrs. Natalie Horn, teacher Ysterplaat Primary School |
Mr. Martin Baloyi, Principal
Ms. Khalipha Ramahlape, teacher Fezeka Senior Secondary School |
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Mr. Geoffrey Figaji
Chief Curriculum Advisor Western Cape Education Dept. |
EMDC: South Metropole
Mr. Glen Van Harte Chief Curriculum Advisor |
The South African Astronomical Observatory SAAO will be responsible for technical support to the students and assistance in curriculum development under the leadership of Case Rijsdijk, Education Scientist.
Mr. Andre Gaum, Western Cape Education Minister, under the auspices of Chief Curriculum Advisors, Mr. Geoffrey Figaji and Mr. Glen Van Harte, is involved in the project and sees it as a prelude to additional technology education and careers development in space sciences.
