My pledge for the ocean
“In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.” (Baba Dioum, 1968)
When school groups visit the Shark Education Centre, we teach them about the wonders of the sea. Some of the kids are seeing and touching the sea animals for the very first time in their lives!
Rose Cottage Pre-primary exploring the touchpool. Photo © Shark Education Centre
A key message we emphasise is that it’s the little things that we do, that have the potential to make the biggest impact on our environment. As part of the experience, we ask the kids to make an Ocean Pledge: a promise of what they will do to help save our seas. This is an action that they will do to prevent further harm to our ocean.
Montessori Connect Primary writing their Ocean Pledges. Photo © Shark Education Centre
We record the pledges as part of our Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning to measure our impact at the Shark Education Centre. It’s fascinating to see what has stuck with a child during their time with us.
Star of the Sea Grade 3’s Ocean Pledges. Photo © Shark Education Centre
By encouraging these environmentally responsible actions in the children, their connection to the sea is emphasised and shared.
Below are some of the Ocean Pledges that have been made by visitors:
