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ReefDoctor creates new ReefDoctor Kids club
Apr 17, 2009
Under the creation and direction of our Environmental education Officers, Mr. Benjamin De Ridder, Miss. Carola Zardo and Miss. Christine Tsima, ReefDoctor set up the first kids club for children aged 6-14 from the village of Ifaty as extra curricula activity and aiding their parents with time off, for children inside and outside the national school system.
The main aim of the club is an addition to the marine curriculum implemented into the schools of Ifaty and Mangily to continue to inspire young children to learn more about their marine and terrestrial environments, how they work, what they provide and how they can use sustainable or alternative methods at their disposal.
Information and teaching is done using fun and innovative ways such as excursions, games, music, art, competitions and general structured classes. The club was initially started for school children learning the curriculum in the primary public schools starting on a monthly basis between 2005 and 2006 bring children onto the ReefDoctor site to see our work in action and taking practical lessons given by science officers on the marine environment along the shoreline.
As enthusiasm for the club grew and the curriculum (though needing revision), was being implemented with good feedback from teachers, pupils and parents, ReefDoctor brought in the new Environmental Education officers to revamp the curriculum, undertake more teacher training and workshops and create the club into a proper weekly club for any children wishing to join.
With the finalised revamping of the curriculum and establishment of weekly art, music and theatre classes alongside this curriculum undertaken by Stephan and Nad from the Ecole du Meavreieux our collaborative partners, the kids club was officially opened for children from the ages of 6-14 from Ifaty and Mangily village in early June 2007.
To date there are a total of 40-50 children how taking part every Sunday in educational activities, games, general reading, writing skills and art with a focus on the environment of the area.
There are 3 areas we are hoping we can bring in funding to aid the continued motivation of the children to be involved in the club, increase their educational opportunities and stay in school;
1) Kids club competitions - competitions in art and environmental education are held every 3 months and for the winners and runners up we are looking for funds to provide art materials, school materials and general reading books
2) Excursions - kids who regularly attend, to be taken on excursions to the reef, forest, other villages, national parks, every 3 months
3) Uniforms – provide 25 regular attendees with a ReefDocto kids club uniform a ReefDoctor t-shirt (with the addition of Kids Club), matching shorts and sandals.
These simple additions which would only cost 800 euros for the year would provide massive motivation for kids to participate in educational activities providing them with as much opportunities and information to help them cope with their ever changing environment and societies.
