Inspiring & Training Young Marine Conservationists

Dear Supporters,

Our constant goal is to improve the education of the children of Moturiki on the underwater world, encouraging them to care about the environment and to become community leaders in its protection. We have continued with our conservation education classes, focusing on our curriculum that was put together by our science officers and which is aligned with the local government’s guidelines for the appropriate age group. 

For the last 6 months, we taught an average 2 classes per week, from class 3 to 6, 44 classes in total. These classes last for 1 hour and are held in 2 schools, on 2 different days. The classes are combined as there are not many children per classroom, making sure they make the most of our lessons. There about 20 children, from age 8 to 12. 

Our conversation topics for the last 2 quarters include Sustainable seas and Clean & Green. Our volunteers spend hours every Monday to prepare their lesson plans and to deliver a class based on quality information. It is also important that the children enjoy these classes, so they include a lot of games, activities and role plays that really make the 1 hour interactive.

Our highlight was Endangered species day, that was held on the 17th of May. On our base here at GVI Caqalai we prepared plastic pollution obstacles that challenged the students to consider the negative impacts plastic waste imposes on endangered species. Empowering the students of Moturiki with this knowledge of plastic pollution has hopefully helped to diminish distribution of litter in the future. By completing this challenge, the students helped us to raise funds for the implementation of new recycling points in two respective villages of Moturiki.  

Our biggest impact is that the children we teach are being more active in the class. They are answering questions that they were not able to answer in January and they ask challenging questions, which shows that their knowledge increased and so did their English level. They take home the knowledge and discuss at home, which makes their parents get involved too. Last but not least, the teachers do not have specific knowledge on these topics, so it helps them to improve and deliver quality classes. 

Our project goals align with the UN SDG goals: Quality Education and Life below water. Quality Education is the 4th SDG, that aims to provide equal access to affordable vocational training, and to eliminate gender and wealth disparities with the aim of achieving universal access to a quality higher education. Life Below water is the 14th SDG that aims to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems from pollution.

We have had a considerable impact in the 2 schools, and we are hoping to continue to support these communities by engaging with the young ones and to continue to align our goals with the SDGs. Thank you very much for all your support so far, without you our work wouldn’t be the same.

With Gratitude,

Fiji Caqalai Marine Education