Ocean Literacy Initiative Launched

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he Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) launched its Ocean Literacy initiative on Wednesday, 29 October, aiming to reach every child in Cayman.

The project is supported by the Ministry of Education-endorsed teachers’ manual, “Our Ocean Planet”, which was recently added to the science curriculum.

The launch was held at Greenlight Re’s offices at Grand Pavilion, where the Chairman of CCMI’s Education and Outreach Committee Bart Hedges explained how the project was initiated.

“This project started some time ago when Dr. Carrie Manfrino, the founder of CCMI, asked a student to develop an outline for an activity manual to promote Ocean Literacy. Since then, with Carrie’s guidance, we’ve advanced the concept considerably,” he said.

Noting that it is CCMI’s goal for every child in the Cayman Island’s to be ocean literate by the time they are 12 years old, Mr Hedges added, “This is an ambitious goal but with the partnership of the Cayman Islands Government and the effort of local educators, we’re confident it can be achieved.”

Introducing the author of “Our Ocean Planet”, New Yorker Valentino (Tino) Lee, who flew in for the launch, Mr Hedges noted, “ Tino worked tirelessly on this project and we are grateful for his services.”

Holding masters’ degrees in computer science, electrical engineering and biology from London, Columbia and Oxford universities, Mr Lee is a professional software application developer and project leader. However, in his free time, he works with CCMI on coral reef- and fish-related projects. He is also a volunteer diver with the New York Aquarium as well as the Dive Team Education Coordinator.

He has written many papers about marine animals for teaching divers and volunteers of all ages from teenagers to retirees. In addition, he makes presentations to the public about marine animals.

“It was a privilege to be asked by CCMI to write the book,” explained Mr Lee. “A lot of research went into it, and it took about 11 months to put it together. The hardest parts were the drawings,” he added.

Noting the irony in working as a computer consultant while writing about the ocean world for CCMI, Mr Lee said, with a chuckle, “It was one of the wonderful ways I got to use my biology degree. I really enjoyed doing it, and it was also a huge learning experience for me.

“The book is a summary of the world’s great scientists. There is a lot of fun stuff and knowledge to be attained from it and my hope is that it will help to trigger a deeper knowledge of the ocean for the children.”

Shirley Wahler, Chief Education Officer of the Department of Education, spoke highly of the manual to Cayman Net News: “It is impressive and gives us a chance to make the curriculum more relevant to our students as it takes students through theory and practice and then grounds it in Cayman,” she said.

Remarking that the manual gives children the tools to engage in active learning, Mrs Wahler added, “We find that our children love science, so this book will be a tremendous asset to the curriculum. It will be giving kids a jumpstart.

“I hope it captures the imagination of a whole generation of kids while guiding them to a greater appreciation for our national resources and environment. This book validates their own experience and is a great balance between ‘Caymanising’ the curriculum and giving kids a wider international perspective.”

Clive Baker, Head of Curriculum Services for the Department of Education, echoed Mrs Wahler’s views, saying: “‘Our Ocean Planet’ is a valuable asset to help us deliver this aspect of our national curriculum, it is wonderful to have something that the children of Cayman can relate to.”

Stressing the importance of children learning about the marine ecosystem, Mr Baker added that there are plans to organise more projects in conjunction with CCMI. “This will be an ongoing relationship,” he said.

Mr Hedges explained that the corporate world will continue to get involved with the initiative. He said CCMI is developing several new relationships with local companies – such as KPMG, Caribbean Utilities Company, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Greenlight Re - to fund the Ocean Literacy programme over the coming three years.

This support will, among other things, allow CCMI to train primary school teachers on the most effective use of the manual and help develop more advanced teaching tools for middle and senior school students.

Mr Hedges added: “Although our focus is on educating the decision makers of tomorrow, we are also planning a public outreach programme targeted at all Cayman residents and in particular the parents of our students.