OceansWatch is aware that all change begins with education. We have developed our vision and mission statement with that awareness in mind.
Our Education Vision
That all children in coastal communities of the developing world will have access to good, well resourced schools.
Our Education Mission Statement
- build partnerships between schools in developed and developing countries
- support the yachting and diving communities in supplying schools with basic educational resources
- provide educational materials to those schools in need
- run courses on coral reef ecosystems
What we do
School Support
Education underlies the development and self reliance of communities.
Coastal schools in different countries and areas have different needs. By building relationships with these schools we can help identify these needs. OceansWatch is developing a map of schools, with an accompanying list of their resource needs, which will be available to members and will include details of the relevant contact person.
What OceansWatch hopes to achieve for all coastal schools in developing countries
- Access to school for all children and adults.
- Adequate learning tools and supplies eg. desks, blackboards, pencils, pens...
- Stationery and writing materials.
- Clean water and sanitation - with minimal environmental impact.
- Education on sustainable reef management.
How we can do this with your help
The steps are:
1. Identify the schools in need of support.
2. Fill in a school needs assessment form.
3. If the school is identified as 'in-need' it will be located on our humanitarian project map.
4. OceansWatch members will be able to find 'in-need' schools and extract a list of resources required and who to talk to.
Coral Reef Education in Schools
OceansWatch is developing simple and fun programmes on marine education that schools will be able to participate in.
Partnering Schools
OceansWatch is supporting schools in the developed world to partner with coastal schools in developing countries. The partnering programme has already started with a school in North Island, New Zealand and will be promoted during Sea Week (March 1st -8th 2009). Fundraising opportunities will be encouraged for World Ocean day on June 8th 2009. Students in Partnering Schools will feel more involved and empowered through the exchange of letters and photos. If you would like your school to be involved please email julia@oceanswatch.org
