The University of Wollongong suffered another COVID casualty when it was forced to close Early Start and Science Space's doors after the latest outbreak of the pandemic.
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However all was not lost with the spaces pivoting to online offerings.
Things looked dark on the eve of the school holidays, with the closure of both centres devastating for children, families, staff and the community.
Workshops, vacation care groups, and programs, as well as the usual daily visitor traffic were quickly cancelled or rescheduled.
But within days the Early Start Discovery Space relaunched Discovery to You, which was originally devised during last year's lockdown. Families can book a one-on-one virtual session with an Early Start educator, and can choose from a range of programs based on children's interests.
Early Start chief executive officer Anita Kumar said the Discovery Space team brought passion and energy to their roles which was resonating with the children and families at home.
"It is nice to see that Early Start is having a positive impact in these tough times. It is heart-warming to hear how much families and children appreciate and enjoy these sessions," she said.
Science Space offered a Facebook Live session each day of the first week of school holidays, with hands-on workshops such as making a snow globe and snowball catapults, with items that are available around the house or at the supermarket.
Science Centre director Stuart Creal said the workshops were designed to keep children engaged while they were confined within their own homes.
With the school term having restarted, the team have activated the Virtual Science Space program, which brings school excursions online with planetarium and science shows, as well as STEM workshops, now available in students' homes.
UOW vice-chancellor, Professor Patricia Davidson, praised the Early Start and Science Space teams for being able to quickly and efficiently adapt, once again, to the online world.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
