At UCA Naryn Campus, Teachers Build Telescopes and Expand Access to Astronomy

The University of Central Asia (UCA) Naryn Campus recently hosted a three-day hands-on astronomy workshop as part of the U.S. Government (USG) Alumni Small Grant Project “American Leadership in Astronomy: Bringing John Dobson’s Legacy to Kyrgyzstan.” The initiative brought together school teachers, astronomy enthusiasts, and university faculty to expand access to practical, affordable science education in the Naryn region.

The project is implemented by members of Astro Community KG, a growing network of astronomy educators and enthusiasts founded in 2018.

The project is supported by the U.S. Embassy through the USG Alumni Small Grant Programme, highlighting the role of international collaboration in strengthening science education at the grassroots level.

Strengthening Astronomy Education at UCA Naryn Campus

The workshop draws inspiration from John Dobson, an American astronomer and inventor best known for popularising simple, low-cost telescope designs. Dobson believed that astronomy should be accessible to everyone, not limited by expensive equipment or specialised institutions.

Over two days at the UCA Naryn Campus and a follow-up day at the Naryn American Corner, 15 teachers from Naryn city and nearby rural areas took part in intensive, practice-oriented training. Guided by telescope experts Dmitry Vinogradov and Igor Plugatyrev, participants learned the fundamentals of telescope construction, basic astronomy, sky observation, and astrophotography.

The programme was enriched by contributions from UCA faculty members, highlighting the value of interdisciplinary STEM education. Sajjad Akbar, Lecturer at UCA Naryn Campus, delivered a session titled “How Mathematicians Study the Cosmos,” offering participants a mathematical lens through which to understand the universe.
Jenny Tsui, Biochemistry Instructor at Altyn Tuyun and STEM faculty member at UCA Naryn Campus, led an interactive workshop “Moon Craters: Hands-On Learning,” demonstrating inquiry-based teaching methods through practical experimentation.

These sessions reinforced both theoretical understanding and real-world application, aligning closely with UCA’s commitment to relevant, experiential learning.

From Workshop to Schools and Communities

At the conclusion of the workshop, each teacher received a completed telescope to take back to their school. Teachers will now use these telescopes in classrooms and as models to help students construct their own, multiplying the project’s long-term impact.

Each participating school has committed to establishing a mini astronomy club, creating regular opportunities for students and families to observe the night sky, learn about space, and organise small science events. Members of Astro Community KG, which includes over 100 participants nationwide, will continue to support these clubs through mentoring, online consultations, and public stargazing activities over the next 12–24 months.

Looking Ahead

Building on the success in Naryn, the project team plans a follow-up event in Bishkek for physics teachers and Astro Community members, with future outreach envisioned in Talas, Issyk-Kul, Jalal-Abad, Osh, and Batken. Cooperation with the Naryn American Corner and local makerspaces will help ensure sustained technical support and community engagement beyond the grant period.

In its first year alone, the initiative is expected to reach over 3,000 students and 300 families. By combining John Dobson’s legacy of accessible science, the dedication of Kyrgyz educators, and the academic environment of UCA, the project is helping young people across the country look at the sky not only with wonder—but with understanding.