Students of T.A Learning Centre- a private institution in Martintar, Nadi were excited to be part of the World Ocean Day this year.
And the school’s Principal Taito Alfred said the occasion has set the platform for the many eco-friendly initiatives they are planning to cover this year.
Mr Alfred said the day is for students to explore how human actions can affect the natural environment, and take an active role in becoming ‘eco-friendly’.
T.A Learning Centre which started in 2005 is the newest member of the Mamanuca Environment Society (MES) – non aligned legal entity that is passionately committed to protecting the stunning marine and terrestrial environment of the Mamanuca Islands.
Mr Alfred said the decision to join MES was easy.
“We believe in giving our students the necessary skills to survive and be responsible outside the classroom walls. Our teachers are very passionate with quality education. Part of that is moving out of the classroom mind-set and joining MES-to give our students a broad spectrum on how to protect the earth.
“MES helps our students explore how human actions can have both a positive and negative impact on the natural environment. We want them to ‘walk and talk’ tour in their local community.
“It’s imperative that they embrace the idea of conservation and earth-friendly living. The world is facing crises such as global climate change and natural resources depletion. These grave issues have drawn more and more attention of the young students,” says Mr Alfred.
Mamanuca Environment Society Project Manager Betani Salusalu said increasingly large numbers of college students, even middle school and primary school students are joining into the tide of environmental protection.
Nabila Public School, Momi District School, Vuda District School, Mana SDA School, Namamanuca Primary School and Malolo District School are some of the schools that are part of MES outreach initiative.
“This is not only by actions for supporting energy conservation and emission reduction, but also by their ceaseless efforts in promoting the concept of “environment-friendliness” among their families, friends and the public.
“We need more schools to take up the initiative. Educating our young ones is the best way to start,” Mr Betani says.
