Starting the new year, the CTC’s Ocean Keeper Club was successful in encouraging children to take a pledge to help protect the oceans. The young students were ecstatic to leave their colorful handprints on a white canvas to demonstrate their dedication and to announce a shared resolution for 2023 to always protect marine ecosystems and animals. 

A total of 32 students from various elementary schools in Bali and Kalimantan, such as SDN 02 Sanur, SD Kasih Sayang Denpasar, and SD Betlehem Bontang, participated in the ninth session of the Ocean Keeper Club, themed “New Resolutions of Ocean Keepers,”  both in person and virtually. This fun hybrid event was held on January 21, 2023, at the CTC Center for Marine Conservation in Sanur, Bali, 

The activity opened with a warm welcome from the CTC team and a brief introduction of the club and its journey. The students were then given a chance to introduce themselves and share their thoughts and understanding of the ocean and its importance. After that, a series of thought-provoking activities were conducted, such as a presentation about key marine habitats and a discussion about the current challenges facing the oceans. Our club icons, Max, Mindy, and Octa, also shared tips on how to be a responsible ocean keeper and strategies to create a positive impact on the environment.

At the end of the session, all participants were asked to recite a shared pledge together and paint their handprints using eco-friendly paints. As Ocean Keepers, they promise to always protect the seas, including the animals and their habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, to keep the planet healthy.

They also came up with a set of resolutions they promised to undertake this year to help protect the ocean, including taking part in beach clean-ups, spreading awareness about ocean conservation, and refusing single-use plastics. Komang Armini, a sixth grader from SDN 02 Sanur, said that she would like to participate in coral reef restoration in 2023.

The ninth session of the Ocean Keeper Club was a memorable and educational experience for the students. They felt empowered by their newfound knowledge and were passionate about protecting the ocean. “I really enjoyed joining Ocean Keeper Club because I could meet new friends and share ideas with them,” said Thomas Abraham, a student from SD Kasih Sayang Denpasar.

With their enthusiasm and commitment, we are positive that they will be successful in achieving their resolutions. The Ocean Keeper Club holds its activity every month which encourages young people, aged 9-11, to learn more about the ocean and its inhabitants, as well as inspiring them to become stewards of the ocean.

Text: Yoga Putra
Photo: Yoga Putra/CTC & Adam Putra/CTC