October Terrestrial Environment Presentation

In the month of October VEPA headed out to the local high schools to do a presentation on the terrestrial environments and some human influenced impacts Vava’u is facing.

Student playing 

environmental celebrity 

heads

Vicky von Bernard (VEPA international volunteer) and I completed three presentations at Mailefihi Siuiliku Tabu College, Tailulu and Saineha Secondary School.  Unfortunately we were not able to complete the presentations at the other schools due to exams. 

The presentation touched on terrestrial biomes around the world, the unique Tongan biodiversity and endemic species as well as soil erosion, deforestation, dryland salinity, pollution and recycling.  

Elana and Viki a student 

from Tailulu

From previous presentations we have learnt that the students are shy and unwilling to put their hand up to ask questions or answer questions I ask them, even if they know the answer. To try and ‘loosen’ the crowd up we played Environmental Celebrity Heads with them.  A volunteer was chosen from the crowd to come up the front.  An environmental process or topic was stuck on their heads and the rest of the class had to help them guess what it was without telling them the directly.  For every right clue they got a lollipop.  Its amazing how kids shyness melts away when offered a sweet!

The students at Tailulu School in particular touched me.  With two enthusiastic students coming up to me at the end of the presentation and explaining their passion for the environment and how they would love to come and volunteer for VEPA!  Sesika and Viki thank you for your dedication towards protecting Vava’u’s environment.  I look forward to working with you on future  VEPA projects. 

‘Ofa atu

Elana