Students at the International School Suva (ISS) are immersed in ocean education from the moment they join the school. Under the guidance of Whole School Ocean Coordinator Hannah Nanovu, the institution is not simply teaching students about the ocean; it is nurturing future advocates for marine conservation.
Reflecting on her inaugural year in this role, Nanovu expressed her enthusiasm for the program’s evolution and the development of the Ocean Learning Centre. This initiative aims to cultivate ocean literacy in students, integrating both traditional wisdom and scientific principles to foster a comprehensive understanding of marine environments. Given the escalating challenges posed by climate change and pollution, such education is more vital than ever.
The Oceans Program at ISS is structured around the Ocean Literacy Framework and the UN Ocean Decade Challenges, emphasizing real-world engagement through field trips and hands-on experiences. Activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling are crucial for teaching students about marine life and cultivating a lasting appreciation for the ocean.
Nanovu noted that the program was constructed gradually, beginning in primary school with six units of inquiry focused on ocean studies, allowing students to build their knowledge year after year.
Despite the program’s successful implementation at ISS, Nanovu’s vision extends beyond the school’s walls. She dreams of expanding ocean literacy programs throughout Fiji and the wider Pacific region. Nanovu passionately argued for the necessity of integrating ocean education across all subjects in schools, underscoring its importance for the future of Pacific Island communities.
She founded the ‘Veivueti Ocean Conference’ last year to provide students with opportunities to engage actively with ocean challenges, conduct research, and present their findings during World Ocean Day. The event, well-received and attended by numerous schools, is set to continue, reinforcing the message of ocean advocacy among young students.
Nanovu posits that an ocean curriculum should be available to every child in the Pacific, as it empowers them to become informed future leaders and custodians of marine ecosystems. By nurturing a strong connection to the sea, the program equips students with the knowledge they need to lead sustainable practices and address the pressing issues facing our oceans today.
This initiative reflects a hopeful trajectory toward greater ocean sustainability in the Pacific, encouraging collaborative efforts to foster young advocates who can champion the health of marine environments for years to come.
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