As a professional Divemaster with a passion for marine conservation, I believe that education is integral to cultivating a love for the submarine world in future generations. This is why I jumped at the chance to give a demonstration to 80-odd enthralled six-year-olds at Thornhill Primary School in Gaborone, Botswana last week.
Although many of the children have been down to South Africa’s east coast, Botswana’s location does not exactly lend itself to marine awareness or activities: Gaborone is almost 800 km from Durban and over 1 200 km from Cape Town; children here are far more likely to associate conservation efforts with elephants, wild dogs and rhinos than sharks, whales and dolphins. While swimming is a popular pastime, you won’t find many aspiring divers or surfers (unless of course you count the Kalahari Surf Club at Planet Baobab)!
The chances of these six-year-olds being familiar with scuba diving equipment were, therefore, pretty small. Unfortunately I did not have my BCD (Bouyancy Control Device), regulator or air tanks with me, but I was able to give them a hands-on introduction to some basic diving apparel.
Young children are especially receptive to tactile experiences and the kids were thrilled to be able to feel thick rubber wetsuits and neoprene booties, as well as passing around weights from my weight belt. It was very fulfilling to see just how engaged the children were in this interactive learning experience.
I spent over an hour chatting, asking questions and doing various demonstrations – including the ‘backward roll’ boat exit and struggling into a rather tight and ragged wetsuit, before being forced to ask for volunteers to help me pull it off again. Everybody also hooted with laughter at my rather ridiculous “penguin walk” demonstration – how not to walk with fins on – as well as the solution of walking backwards!
I would encourage anyone with a passion for nature, travel or conservation to consider getting involved in similar forms of “edutainment” – let’s make sure that we nurture well-rounded individuals instilled with awe and appreciation for the world around them; Individuals who are willing to tread the path less travelled and engage in new experiences.
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