Scientists tell us that roughly two million years ago the ancestors to modern humans developed in Eastern Africa. In what is present day Tanzania, Louis and Mary Leakey some 50 years ago found skulls, jaw and foot bones of primitive humans, discoveries that still impact theories of human evolution.
Life for these first humans was extremely difficult. The majority of their energy was likely spent on acquiring life’s basic needs; food, shelter and a mate. All the while they tried to avoid being eaten themselves. But these prehistoric ancestors weren’t totally at the mercy of the forces of nature. They had relatively large brains, allowing them to develop some of the first stone tools.
I imagine that after the sun went down, these people huddled together in trees or caves for warmth and protection. It’s likely while sitting huddled they stared up at the millions of stars, like white paint spread across a black canvas. At some point one of this group was likely struck by the immensity, the beauty of the scene above them and thought “What are those lights? Why are we here? Is there a purpose to life?”
From these first simple questions, our ancestors set a course that led us to where we are today. Our ability to ask questions, to seek answers, to see possibilities extended our lives, taken us to other planets, and split the atom.
We are still asking questions today, still seeking answers. In fact students who live, work and play within a few miles of where the first humans pondered their place in the Universe, are seeking some of these answers. Yet, many Tanzanian students are without basic textbooks and many rudimentary educational resources we take for granted in western countries. Teacher training in science is often lacking.
Telescopes to Tanzania works to help these students to ask questions and seek answers. Telescopes to Tanzania is raising funds for training teachers, hands-on laboratories, and provide quality science and technology resources for students.
Telescopes to Tanzania, is part of Astronomers without Borders, a world-wide organization that understands we all share the same sky and the act of looking up and seeking answers can build connections between people.
My family will soon travel to Tanzania and we want our trip to provide something lasting to the people of East Africa. Please consider donating to Telescopes to Tanzania. The website is here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/telescopes-to-tanzania. Even a small donation can make a world of difference to the students and teachers, for it will help create a generation of science-educated Tanzanians, hopefully sparking a movement across the continent. But ultimately your gift will provide the next generation the opportunity to look up and find new answers to why we are here.
Sean Smith is an award winning conservationist and author.
