VEPA joined other NGO's and passionate people around the world over the weekend by hosting a Sea Save Wave Rave. Our Wave Rave was an educational morning with the local kids in Neiafu.
Saturday (25 August) morning I volunteered at the local library to raise awareness about the importance of protecting Vava'u's ocean (oseni). There were about 30 kids there ranging from 3 to 13 years.
I did a ten minute presentation on what kind of special animals one might find in the waters of Vava'u and how its important we look after them. The kids were also taught to put their rubbish in the bin, instead of the ground, as it can wash into the ocean. Of course the example of a plastic bag being mistaken for a Jellyfish by a turtle was used, which is almost a cliche in Australia but I don't think they had ever seen it before. I'm hoping thats a sign they learnt something. At one point some kids were laughing but i'm pretty certain it was at my pathetic attempt at Tongan rather than the presentation.
Judy, the library volunteer and Friend of VEPA, helped me out by explaining each slide in Tongan, after I had gone over it.
After the presentation the kids were asked to draw their favourite ocean animal. No surprise that lots of kids started drawing fish, whales and turtles as thats all they have ever seen in Vava'u (unfortunately for the turtles and fish because they are being served as dinner). We got some picture books out and showed the kids lots of different kinds of animals. After this they started drawing everything from crabs to sharks to octopus.
One child in particular, a boy about 13 years old, was extremely talented. He drew a whale, with an amazing level of detail, swimming in an ocean of floating plastic bags and jellyfish. It was sad when Judy told me that he really loves drawing but will probably grow out of it because "it's not encouraged here (in Tonga)".
At least they have the lovely young ladies at the library that dedicate every Saturday morning to read to the kids and continually tell them their drawings are fakaofofa (beautiful).
Malo aupito
Elana
http://www.facebook.com/Seasave
What a fun, educational activity! Malo 'Elana for sharing this Wave Rave activity. I hope the young boy will be encouraged to pursue his artistic/drawing talent. It's awesome to see the new updates to your website and the new team members at VEPA. Malo again for all you do!
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