From Classrooms to Coastlines: Igniting Passion for the Ocean
Sunny Imalwa | February 24th, 2025 | News
The Albatross Task Force (ATF) embarked on an exciting outreach tour, visiting schools across Namibia, particularly in Otjiwarongo, Otavi, and Tsumeb. Led by Priskilla Nghangulwa, the ATF Instructor, along with Martha Iyambo, NNF Marine Trainee, and Sunnypo Imalwa, the NNF Communications Support Officer, the team sought to inspire young minds about marine conservation and the fascinating world of seabirds. Their journey was filled with engaging activities, humorous moments, and enlightening discussions that left a lasting impact on both the students and the team.
The first stop
The team paid a visit to Monica Geingos Secondary School in Otjiwarongo. The Grade 11 learners were initially hesitant, their curiosity masked by a veil of teenage indifference. However, as the session progressed, Priskilla’s infectious enthusiasm broke the ice. She shared captivating stories about her work with albatrosses, revealing fascinating facts like how these seabirds can fly thousands of kilometers without flapping their wings. The team was, ofcourse, accompanied by “Clemens”, the ATF team’s stuffed Atlantic Yellow Nosed Albatross, which was unfortunately killed on a fishing vessel some years back. The students’ eyes widened with interest, and soon, they were peppering the team with questions about marine biology and conservation careers. A memorable moment was when one student asked, “Can we really save the oceans, or are we just too small to make a difference?” Priskilla responded with a smile, “Even the smallest pebble can create a ripple in the ocean.”
Otavi, a warm welcome
Otavi brought a more personal touch to the outreach. Priskilla took the team to her old hostel, an unplanned detour that turned into a heartwarming experience. The hostel matron, who Priskilla fondly referred to as “Mother,” welcomed them with open arms. The team introduced concepts of marine life and conservation through interactive activities. Martha’s fun fact about how some fish can change gender had the students gasping in surprise and giggling in disbelief. It was fascinating to notice how some learners had never seen the ocean, making the session particularly poignant. Sunnypo captivated them with stories about the vast, mysterious sea and its inhabitants. The learners were captivated by the idea of exploring a world they had only read about in books.
Our biggest audience
The largest group of 330 Grade 8 learners at Khorab Secondary School was challenging but rewarding. The team employed creative teaching methods, including a live demonstration of an albatross’s wingspan. Priskilla’s demonstration of the albatross’s unique way of gliding on ocean winds drew collective “wows” from the students. The team conducted a quiz to test the learners’ understanding. This not only reinforced the learning but also added an element of fun and competition. The students who answered correctly received small prizes, a gesture that was met with cheers and applause.
Closing with a bang
The tour’s final destination was Tsumeb, known for its rich copper mining history. The team visited Tsumeb Primary School and St. Francis Primary School, both of which showed a keen interest in marine conservation. Located in Kuvuki land, the new Tsumeb Primary School welcomed the team with open arms. The students were eager and enthusiastic, participating actively in discussions about the long-term impacts of pollution and overfishing. Sunnypo’s quiz session was a hit, with students eagerly competing to win prizes.
The success of the outreach program was evident in the learners’ enthusiasm and engagement. The ATF ‘s journey across these towns not only educated young minds about the importance of marine conservation but also ignited a spark of curiosity and passion. The team left each school with the hope that these students, inspired by their stories and knowledge, would carry forward the torch of conservation. As Priskilla aptly put it,
“Every action, no matter how small, can make a big difference in the world.”
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