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"Earth could end one day and we must prepare for life on another planet" - These are the words of a 12-year-old UAE student, who is part of an astronaut club that travels to various schools, educating pupils about space exploration.
Drishya Rajesh is one the 30 members that are part of the Astronaut Club, which was formed at the Scholars Indian School in Ras Al Khaimah. The members of the club hold events at their own school and other schools, spreading knowledge of space.
The club mainly consists of students who aspire to be astronauts in the future and a few others who enjoy space learning as just a hobby.
"Space is a very important and interesting subject. One day the Earth will end, so, we need to prepare for life on another planet. We also carried out a group exercise session for students, where they did exercises that astronauts would do," Rajesh said, who wants to become a doctor and studies astronomy on her spare time.
The founder of the club, however, hopes to be an astronaut one day. Sahda Haroon, 14, started the club at her former school out of the passion she holds for space.
"It all started from when I met Omran Sharaf, the Emirates Mars Mission project manager, at the Project Space event at Downtown Dubai, when he told me 'my little sister, be specific on your path to be an astronaut as the competition is very high'. After that I wanted to do something to help other children like me," Haroon said.
"The astronaut club, since the very beginning, has supported many kids in their dream and has given many opportunities to its members and other children in the community. We hold many events at our school and elsewhere. Recently, we spoke at GEMS Westminster Ras Al Khaimah during the World Space Week. We visit events around the UAE and encourage our members to interact with the people in the sector."
Even though Haroon has moved back to her country, the club she left behind is thriving, with many more students that want to learn about space.
Rajesh said that clubs as such are now "more important than ever" because of UAE's aspiration to build a mini city on Mars by 2117.
She said if students today are educated on space, the future generations - who might call Mars their home - will be prepared "better" for residency on the Red Planet.
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com
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