ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Status: Ongoing, since 2016
Many children in North Sulawesi's coastal areas lack education about the importance of marine ecosystems, despite their close connection to the environment. This gap exists partly because many teachers aren't equipped to teach about vital coastal resources like mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass. To address this, Manengkel Solidaritas, a local NGO, developed "Skolah Sei Pante" (SSP), a coastal education program focused on empowering the community through bottom-up planning. SSP, meaning "teaching on the beach," aims to enhance the protection of marine resources by fostering a deeper understanding among students. Learning StructureThe SSP program is structured into three levels: Messenger, Transformer, and Agent of Change. Each level provides a learning package with modules designed to build students' knowledge and attitudes toward environmental stewardship. Messenger: Students engage in interactive activities like games, movies, and success stories, building a foundational understanding of coastal ecosystems.
Outdoor activity
Transformer: Students participate in more hands-on fieldwork and outdoor learning, applying their knowledge in real-world settings. Agent of Change: Students work independently on environmental projects, using advanced outdoor methods and field practices to complete environmental missions. Students earn badges and ranks as they progress through the levels, symbolizing their growth and commitment. The program is supported by volunteer teachers, including lecturers, students, and local educators, with parents involved in monitoring their children's progress. EvaluationThe effectiveness of SSP is evaluated monthly and bi-annually. Monthly assessments gauge how well students are absorbing the material, while a six-month written evaluation measures the overall success of the program. These evaluations focus on improving the program rather than grading the students, ensuring the materials and methods are effective.
The first level - “The Messenger,” introduces children to the importance of coastal and marine ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. As the foundation of the learning program, this level combines classroom-based activities with outdoor experiences, with approximately 60% indoor learning and 40% outdoor activities. Through interactive lessons, discussions, and hands-on environmental activities, children develop a basic understanding of coastal ecosystems, their ecological importance, and the challenges they face. Upon completing the first module, participants are expected to become young “Messengers” who can share their knowledge, raise environmental awareness, and encourage others in their communities to care for and protect coastal and marine ecosystems.
Kids at class
The second level - "The Transformer” is an intermediate stage of the learning program designed to deepen children’s knowledge of coastal and marine environments, waste management, and climate change. At this level, participants are encouraged to move beyond basic awareness and develop a stronger understanding of how human activities affect coastal ecosystems and how sustainable practices can help address these challenges. Through interactive learning, practical activities, and community-based experiences, children are encouraged to identify environmental problems and explore simple solutions that can be applied in their daily lives. Upon completing the second level, participants take on the role of “Transformers,” inspiring and guiding others to adopt more responsible and sustainable practices for the protection of coastal and marine environments.
Outdoor activity
The third level - “The Agent of Change” focuses on transforming environmental knowledge into meaningful action. At this stage, children are encouraged to apply what they have learned through practical activities that strengthen their ability to protect and care for their local coastal and marine environment. By completing this module, participants gain practical skills, confidence, and experience in taking environmental action, from supporting conservation activities to encouraging positive changes within their communities. Over time, fostering a strong connection with nature and a sense of environmental responsibility among children and young people can help build a new generation of conservation leaders who are able to inspire communities and influence future decision-making for the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems.
Kids at class
Practicing simple techniques to gather marine ecology data
Learning to recognize seagrass species.
This project is sponsored by :
