four teachers completed and received certification in UNESCO’s Ocean Literacy for Educators program.
Through a collaboration between UNESCO Aruba and Aula di Lama (of the Iberostar Foundation), a 12-week program was guided in which various important topics were discussed regarding our knowledge of the ocean and the challenges our oceans are facing. This initiative takes place within the framework of the UN Decade of Ocean Science.
Congratulations go out to the four teachers: Brooke Barrett of School House, Susanne Spanjers-Steeghs of YNZ Montessori, Jasmin Kelly of Cacique Maquarima, and Gyseth Arends of Edu Campus.
At the same time, an invitation is extended to other teachers to participate in the second round of Ocean Literacy for Educators, which will begin in March.
For Aruba, as an island surrounded by the sea, this topic is extremely relevant. However, it is often not included in the school curriculum. UNESCO’s international online program approaches these topics in a general way, recognizing that the ocean connects the entire world.
This is where the collaboration with Aula di Lama adds value, providing a weekly space to discuss these topics and connect them to Aruba’s reality through local examples, field trips, and demonstration activities that can be carried out in the classroom at minimal cost.
This contextualization was presented by Jean Paul Moquette, who has a background in Coastal & Marine Management, and Christie Mettes, lecturer at the University of Aruba.
The new cycle of the program will begin on March 5 and will continue until June 25. The program covers the following topics:
- The importance of the Ocean to sustain life on this planet
- Public benefits of the Ocean
- Marine Pollution
- Over-exploitation of the Ocean
- Climate Change
- Sustainability Challenges
- Marine Protection
- Sustainable Solutions
- UN Decade of Ocean Science
- Ocean Literacy Framework
Registration is available via the Aula di Lama Facebook page, by email at auladilama@Iberostar.com, or via WhatsApp at +297 741 2943.