About OSEO
The Organization for Science, Education, and Observatory (OSEO) in Meru District, Tanzania is the governing body and operator of the Mt. Meru Astronomical Observatory (MMAO). From 2014 through 2019 OSEO worked with Telescopes to Tanzania, a project of Astronomers Without Borders, to develop, construct, and manage the physical observatory. As of 2020 the OSEO Board of Directors manages the MMAO telescopes, facilities, and education and outreach programs throughout Tanzania.
Vision and Mission
The Organization for Science Education and Observatory envisions a society where science education is integrated into education and development, at all ages and across all schools in Tanzania. OSEO’s mission aims to develop and attract Tanzanian interest, curiosity and passion for science as a means to understand the world in which we live, and to drive innovation and development.
Objectives
The main objective of the Organization for Science Education and Observatory is to promote the love of science education and astronomy among as many teachers and students as possible in Tanzania.
– To conduct astronomical and science training for as many teachers and students as possible within Tanzania.
– To integrate astronomy in the teaching curriculum as outlined in the national syllabus.
– To develop and disseminate hands on science and astronomy teaching resources.
– To create a model science laboratory and observatory with telescopes and computers, a portable planetarium, internet capacity and global connections to other observatories around the world.
– To serve as an equatorial dark sky observing centre.
These are the active board members of OSEO for the Mt. Meru Astronomical Observatory, 2026
David Tan, Acting Chair (photo and bio coming soon)
Elineema Nassari, Board member
Elineema has been incorporating astronomy education into his middle school curricula for more than a decade. Inspired by his work with Telescopes to Tanzania he worked with Kai Staats and his fellow instructors at the Ailanga school for the installation, calibration, and operation of East Africa’s first research-grade telescope at MMAO in 2019. In 2020 Elineema and his associates were recipients of an OAD grant to serve their community through a locally developed distance-learning program that incorporated both digital and printed curricula during the early stages of the COVID pandemic. In 2023 Elineema was awarded attendance at the African regional SHAW-IAU meeting hosted by the International Astronomers Union, Office of Astronomy for Development, SAAO campus, South Africa.
Mike Simmons, Board member
Mike has been an amateur astronomer and organizer for more than 40 years, primarily participating in informal education. He worked at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles in the 1970s, was president of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society, co-founded the Mount Wilson Observatory Association to support the observatory’s public outreach, and co-chaired the 100 Hours of Astronomy Cornerstone Project of IYA2009 for the IAU. In 2006, he founded Astronomers Without Borders, a global organizations of astronomy enthusiasts. He is currently an Affiliate Research Scientist at Blue Marble Space Institute of Science where he is creating programs to address issues of diversity and inclusion using astronomy and space, Astronomy for Equity. In addition, Mike is a retired biomedical data analyst experienced in qualitative measurements such as those we will employ to evaluate the program.
Rashidi Mkwinda, Board Member (photo and bio coming soon)
Ramasamy Venugo, Board Member (photo and bio coming soon)
Elisante Maturo, Accountant (photo and bio coming soon)
Board of Directors | Ambassadors