30 Children from Floreat Primary School in Steenberg got the chance to visit the Two Oceans Aquarium and learn more about saving our oceans.
Cape Town, South Africa (03 April 2024) – In an effort to raise awareness about plastic pollution in the ocean and give children a fun day out, the Prescient Foundation took 30 children to the Two Ocean’s Aquarium to meet Bokkie the sea turtle.
Bokkie was rescued the day after the Rugby World Cup semi-final win last year. She was then affectionately named “Bokkie” in honour of the Springboks. Bokkie arrived at the Turtle Conservation Centre in deplorable condition, covered in algae with an amputated left flipper. Following an extensive rehabilitation process, which included the removal of 800 grams of barnacles, Bokkie has almost made a full recovery and is thriving in her new home at the aquarium.
The foundation recently shared the story of Bokkie with 30 of its beneficiaries from Floreat Primary School in Steenberg in a bid to educate them on ocean protection awareness.
Bokkie’s story is just one example of the horrendous impact that plastic waste has on marine life and the pressing need for conservation.
With an estimated 11 million tonnes of plastic waste pouring into the sea every year, most people recognise that there is a serious problem. Another danger is when sea life becomes entangled in large pieces of plastic, like fishing nets. Smaller fish ingest microplastics, which eventually enter the food chain to be consumed by humans.
Accounting for over 2% of the world’s ocean pollution, SA generates an astonishing two million tons of plastic waste every year. Less than 5% of this waste is recycled, while the rest pollutes our streets, landfills, water systems, and our natural environment, including the ocean.
Floreat Primary learners were excited to learn more about Bokkie and understand how certain materials and actions harm the ocean and its inhabitants. Bokkie’s story and her journey symbolises the resilience and the spirit of overcoming challenges.
Another speaker at the ocean protection awareness event was entrepreneur Mama Yandi, owner of The Masi Creative Hub, who saw an opportunity in recycling waste and now owns a global waste recycling business.
Mama Yandi recounted her journey that started with her earning a living by collecting beach litter for R35 per day. Realising the potential in waste management, she transformed discarded plastic into vibrant works of art, leading to the establishment of her business.
The primary schoolers spent the day absorbing all the wonders of the Aquarium and then sat down to use plastic for art, turning bottles into sea turtles to take home as a reminder of Bokkie’s story and how to protect many more ocean animals, just like her.
Sources: Press Release
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