December 21, 2024, marked a special day for the Ocean Keeper Club (OKC) students as they celebrate their graduation after completing 12 engaging sessions of fun learning activities throughout the year. This milestone event was attended by 44 students and teachers from partner schools, all gathered at the Center for Marine Conservation to commemorate the successful completion of these sessions, designed to inspire the next generation of ocean keepers.

The graduation ceremony, not only recognized the students’ achievements but also honored exceptional dedication and involvement throughout the program. Special awards were presented to 8 students with perfect attendance, as well as to teachers who demonstrated extraordinary commitment in guiding their students and were involved in all activities throughout every session.

“The students were very excited to join the OKC activities. They were introduced early to the understanding that small actions to care for the ocean can have a significant impact in the future,” said Ni Wayan Damiasih, a teacher from SDN 2 Sanur, who was honored as the Best Teacher for OKC 2024.

OKC is a Coral Triangle Center (CTC) educational program designed to introduce children to the wonders and complexities of marine ecosystems. Over the course of 12 sessions, participants explore a variety of topics, including mangrove ecosystems, seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and the threats posed by plastic pollution. Creative activities, such as “Wayang Samudra”—a traditional puppetry storytelling medium—is incorporated to engagingly convey conservation messages. Through these sessions, students not only learn about the beauty of marine life but also gain practical knowledge on the challenges our oceans face and how they can actively contribute to marine conservation.

“I am very happy to learn more about the ocean. Through the OKC program, I have learned about many types of fish. I hope the ocean can be better protected so it becomes more beautiful, and there will be even more fish,” said Kadek Dinda Kirana, one of the OKC participants from SDN 12 Sanur.

Since its launch in 2022, OKC has engaged over 1,200 children from various regions across Indonesia, from Sanur, Bali to East Kalimantan, West Java, Jakarta to East Java. This year’s batch focused on local students from Sanur, including those from SDN 2 Sanur, SDN 4 Sanur, SDN 8 Sanur, SDN 10 Sanur, and SDN 12 Sanur, marking a shift to in-person sessions after the previous hybrid format required by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our big dream is for children across Indonesia to join this program. We need to support and help them gain access to learning about marine conservation,” said Herni Frilia, CTC Education and Outreach Coordinator.

The program’s success in fostering active learning environments, fun learning, and sparking curiosity among participants highlights its significant impact. As CTC continues its mission, OKC stands as a testament to the transformative power of education in producing future ocean keepers committed to safeguarding the health of our oceans.

Writers: Adam Putra, Herni Frilia
Photos: Adam Putra/CTC. Kayla Azzahra/CTC