Title: International Network for
Locally Produced Low Cost Equipment
Coordinator(s): R.S.
Lamba, K.V. Sane� and J.D.
Bradley
Remarks: Interaction with UNESCO
Access The Low Cost Equipment Project
Website at <http://www.lce.org/>
Objective:
Practical work in chemistry is generally agreed to be a vital part
of the subject. In teaching chemistry it helps to motivate learners
and creates awareness that chemistry is a human activity. IUPAC
must therefore be concerned that learners of chemistry at all levels
enjoy practical work. Unfortunately it is frequently not offered
because of lack of equipment, facilities and consumables, or in
some cases lack of teacher competence. This is especially the case
in developing countries. This project, initiated under the leadership
of Prof. Sane (India), is addressing this problem by designing low-cost
equipment based on low-cost electronic components and by establishing
a low-cost manufacturing operation. This idea has been introduced
to most continents already, but there remains a great deal of dissemination
and invention to be done. Because of the central significance of
providing practical experiences to students of chemistry everywhere,
IUPAC must remain involved as a partner. CTC can assist through
information exchange, organising of workshops, international advocacy,
etc.
Progress:
With the agreement of UNESCO, coordination of this network has been
transferred from Prof. Sane (India) to Prof. Lamba (Puerto Rico).
In addition a UNESCO-associated Centre was inaugurated in Puerto
Rico in July, 1997, with Prof. Lamba as Director. The Chairman of
CTC spoke at the inauguration on the global role of IUPAC.