The Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation is back on the road and visiting schools to teach children about the ocean; they encourage schools to sign up.
Western Cape, South Africa (11 March 2021) – The Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation works with children to educate them about the ocean and all the beautiful wildlife that lives in it. Sadly the aquarium is an outing destination, and the pandemic has meant schools are unable to visit.
The TOA Education Foundation created the “Oceans in Motion” travelling school a few years ago that visits schools in the Western Cape and connects the learners with the ocean. There are many children that have never seen the ocean, even though it is only a few kilometres away from their townships.
“Our outreach programmes aim to fill that gap, by bringing ocean education to children in under-resourced areas. We have two dedicated teachers that visit a different school every day, during school term, with vibrant and fun vans, filled with educational resources that offer a memorable experience to the children they teach.”
“We currently have two outreach programmes, with different themes, aimed at children in the intermediate phase and grade 7. These programmes are free of charge to under-resourced schools, and available in the greater Cape Town area. Our outreach teachers can see up to 200 children a day, with a maximum of 40 children per class. Our lessons are aligned with the CAPS curriculum and focus on different themes, depending on the age group of the children.”
Teacher Thabo visits many schools and is able to do the lessons in both English and isiXhosa. He takes live animals along with him so that the children can see them in person.
“Children get the unforgettable experience of touching live sea stars, sea urchins and sea anemones. Thabo also talks about the importance of our environment and our role in keeping it clean and protected. He brings the ocean to children in some of the poorer areas in Cape Town and, hopefully, inspires them to appreciate the amazing ecosystem that they have on their doorstep.”
The Education Foundation is encouraging schools to sign up for the classes and welcome the team into their schools. With the pandemic still at play, this is a great way to bring some valuable and educational entertainment with minimal risk.
Thabo and the team are able to accommodate 200 children in a day, with classes of 40 or less per session. Should your school be keen to take part in the initiative, you can sign up here.
People who would like to can donate to support this incredible initiative and ensure that Thabo is able to take the “Oceans in Motion” bus to schools without any resources.
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