Bio:

Shama is an experienced facilitator, presenter, trainer and project leader.. A Biochemistry graduate from King Saud University, Shama started her career in science communication at Mishkat, the first interactive science center in Riyadh. Working as a Facilitator, Shama worked primarily with school children to enable engagement, enjoyment, and discovery, supporting Mishkat’s vision – ‘to inspire the next generation of energy innovators’. Building on intensive training and first-hand experience, Shama delivered the training for both gender Facilitators to the local and international audience. She is a strong advocate of the power of informal learning, further strengthened by her experience of being trained at the Teacher Institute at the Exploratorium, San Francisco and Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), Japan. Today, Shama leads Facilitation team and Training unit at Mishkat interactive center, she also leads Wamda and Mishkat ambassador, an energy science training program that encourages educators to bring informal learning techniques into the classroom.

Abstract:

SECURING A FUTURE FOR A GROWING SCIENCE CENTER​

Kingdom Saudi Arabia is transforming rapidly and across all aspects of society. There are significant changes in educational, entertainment, and cultural sectors, which are impacting on the young population. Mishkat Interactive Center for Atomic and Renewable Energy is a launch-pad for learning and inspiring a new generation of Saudi energy innovators. Mishkat’s hub is a state-of-the-art science center in Riyadh; its reach is Kingdom wide.

Mishkat has been laying the groundwork for these initiatives with its award winning public program focusing on science and renewable energy since 2011. It develops activities, films, performances, and festivals that have attracted tens of thousands to its center in Riyadh and to more as part of its outreach and ambassador program.

With an audience becoming more used to new formats and platforms from outside KSA and with new projects looming, how can Mishkat sustain its visitor base with such an increase in competition and what lessons have been valuable in planning its future? This presentation will focus on the challenges Mishkat faces as it adjusts to its expanding role and remit societal changes in Saudi Arabia, and to its shift towards increasing its public audiences.