Atoll Ecologist's Porgram
In our ongoing efforts to promote marine conservation education in local schools, the AMC Marine Biologists and interns annually conduct the Atoll Ecologists Programme. This initiative is designed for students in grades 5–8. Although at ifthithaah the sessions are usually for students who have chosen marine science as gcse subject. These kids are in grades 9 and 10.
Our vision is to expand the program to reach all four inhabited islands of Lhaviyani Atoll, including Madhrasathul Ifthithaah in Naifaru, Lh. Atoll Education Centre on Hinnavaru, Lh. Atoll School in Kurendhoo, and Olhuvelifushi School in Olhuvelifushi.
Objectives of the Atoll Ecologists Programme:
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Marine Awareness: Educate local children about the marine environment and the critical challenges it currently faces.
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Skill Development: Foster observational, collaborative, and presentation skills while improving students' English proficiency and vocabulary.
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Environmental Impact: Create long-term benefits for the marine ecosystem in Lhaviyani Atoll by educating local communities and empowering future generations to preserve their environment.
The lessons are tailored to emphasize local environmental issues and practical solutions, enabling children to connect theoretical knowledge with actionable strategies for addressing everyday challenges. By focusing on relevance and practicality, we aim to inspire young minds to take an active role in conserving their natural surroundings.
School Holiday Camp
Twice a year, during school holidays, we host a Marine School Holiday Programme aimed at raising awareness, educating the younger generation, and fostering a sense of responsibility for preserving their environment. This programme is designed for children aged 6–13 and is open to anyone interested in learning about the marine world.
The programme engages children in fun, interactive activities centered around marine environment topics. By combining education with hands-on experiences, we aim to make learning enjoyable and memorable.
This initiative not only impacts local children but also attracts participants from other islands across the Maldives, especially during the longer school holidays. This diversity allows for a rich exchange of ideas and experiences, helping to spread a passion for marine conservation far beyond the immediate community.
The programme has shown significant results, with local children developing a deeper understanding and enthusiasm for protecting their oceans. In some cases, this newfound awareness leads to important actions—such as when children bring hatchlings to us after learning that sea turtles should never be kept as pets.
By inspiring the next generation, we’re nurturing advocates for the marine environment who will help ensure its preservation for years to come.
Captain Fanplastic Sessions
Captain Fanplastic is an educational program developed by the South African NGO Soap Box South Africa. We’ve successfully implemented this program in seven schools across the Maldives and are eager to expand its reach.
The sessions are designed to be engaging and interactive, featuring:
Storytelling: Adventures of Captain Fanplastic, capturing the imagination of young learners.
Craft Activities: Creating eye patches from plastic bottle caps and ghost nets, combining creativity with sustainability.
Learning Modules: Exploring waste and waste management concepts.
Beach Cleanups: Hands-on activities to apply what they've learned and contribute to their local environment.
The program primarily targets students in grades 4 and 5, with occasional expansion to other grades based on school interest.
Through this initiative, students gain a practical understanding of waste and waste management while having fun. By combining storytelling, creativity, and real-world action, Captain Fanplastic inspires young minds to take an active role in protecting their environment.
School Visits to AMC
We encourage schools to visit the AMC to learn about sea turtles and meet the patients at our center. In 2024, students from grade 6 at Lh. Education Centre in Hinnavaru visited us to gain insight into our work and learn about endangered animals in the Maldives.
During these visits, we provide an engaging and educational experience:
Introduction Presentation: An overview of AMC, our goals, and the work we do, along with basic sea turtle biology and information on the threats they face.
Interactive Activities: Hands-on activities and worksheets designed to help students better absorb and retain the information.
Center Tour: A guided tour of our facilities, where students meet our patients and learn about their stories and the challenges they face.
These visits allow students to witness the threats to sea turtles firsthand, providing a tangible and impactful learning experience. They leave with a deeper understanding of the importance of these creatures and the critical conservation work we undertake.
Livestreaming
At AMC, we understand that not everyone who wishes to visit our centre can do so due to our remote location. To make our educational efforts as far-reaching as possible, we offer livestreaming sessions designed for school children.
We are proud to partner with Bumblegreen Books and Resources, a children's book company founded by children's book author Katherine Wheatly, who has worked within primary education for over 25 years.
Through this partnership, Kath helps us faciliate livestreaming sessions with primary schools in the United Kingdom, which includes a presentation delivered by one of our team members, followed by a virtual tour of the centre and an introduction to our turtle patients, via an online streaming platform. This iniative allows us to make marine education accessible to a broader audience, especially for those who live far from the ocean and may have never seen in a sea turtle in real life before!
Looking ahead, we aim to expand our livestreaming efforts to include schools on local Maldivian islands in distant atolls where transport to our centre would be costly. Additionally, we hope to reach more international schools in other countries, further spreading awareness about marine conservation.
If you're a teacher interested in incorporating a livestreaming session into your lessons, please contact our Marine Team Lead at marine@naifarujuvenile.org to arrange a session.