MES is currently working with schools in the region with the main aim of establishing a strong awareness for the environment and its importance to the lives of the young generation who are soon to be leaders of our communities. There are three schools in the Mamanuca and Malolo region that the MES conducts its awareness programs with. These are Na Mamanuca Primary School, Malolo District School and Mana SDA School.
Malolo District School (MDS) is located on Malolo Island, the largest island in the region. The school which was established in 1930 is a co-educational primary school with classes from 1- 8. It is a non-government school and is managed by Mr. Kamlesh Karan. Most of the students who attend MDS come from the nearby villages of Yaro and Solevu while other students are children of staff working in the nearby resorts of Malolo, Likuliku, Musket Cove, Plantation, Lomani, and Walu Beach resorts. The programme is usually held at the school during Term 1 of each school year.
Na Mamanuca Primary is located on the island of Yanuya in the Northern Mamanucas. The school which was established in 1969 is a co-educational primary school with classes from 1- 8. The school consists mainly of the children of Yanuya and Tavua village; the remaining few come from other neighbouring villages, and children of the staffs of Tokoriki and Amunuca Island Resorts. The programme is usually held at the school in Term 2 of each school year.
Mana SDA Primary School is located on Mana Island in the Mamanucas. The school which was established in 1995 is a non-government school that is managed by the Fiji Mission of SDA Church. Mana SDA is also a co-educational primary school with classes from 1- 8. Most of the students of Mana SDA come from nearby Yaro lailai village and other students are children of Mana Island Resort staff.
Vuda District School (VDS) is the only mainland school that we conduct the programme with. VDS is a government, mainland school situated in Vuda opposite Viseisei village. The school was established in 1947 and is also a co-educational primary school with classes from 1- 8. Most of the students that attend VDS come from the nearby villages of Viseisei, Lomlomo, and Lauwaki. We conduct the school programme with VDS during term 2 of each school year.
Main topics included in the programme include:
- Introduction to MES, CCC and Reef Check
- Why Survey? What are MPAs?
- The Coastal Zone
- Coral Biology and Reef Formation
- Coastal Zone Interaction and Threats
- Human Impacts on Coral Reefs
- Animals on Reefs
- Animals and Plants on Land
- Animal & Plant Interaction
- Food Webs
- Important Animals of the Mamanuca Islands
The programme ends with skits performed by students involved with the programme on specific topics they studied and a mini-graduation ceremony.
Guest lectures
MES also carry out visitations to other schools on the mainland area for the purpose of conducting guest lectures on the environment and its importance to future generations. Schools visited include Namaka Public School, Viseisei Primary School and Wairabetia Primary School.
Guest lectures for those schools interested depend on individual school requests.
Schedules
Malolo District School Schedule
The programme is conducted in Term 1 every Thursdays from 1pm–2pm and focuses on pupils in Classes 7.
Mana SDA Primary School
The programme is conducted in Term 1 every Thursdays from 1pm–2pm and focuses on pupils in Classes 7.
Vuda District School Schedule
The programme is conducted in Term 2 every Thursdays from 1pm–2pm and focuses on pupils in Classes 7.
Na Mamanuca Primary School Schedule
The programme is conducted in Term 2 every Thursdays from 1pm–2pm and focuses on pupils in Classes 7.
