On Monday June 10th, all of Buk Bilong Pikinini’s Library Learning Centres (LLCs) celebrated World Ocean Day with a variety of engaging activities designed to foster a love and commitment towards conserving the ocean among children.
The day was filled with interactive and educational activities. The children had fun colouring marine animals with materials from BbP’s published animal activity books, which helped them connect with marine life.
Meanwhile, teachers designed aquarium displays and ocean-themed classrooms to make learning engaging and immersive.
At University of Papua New Guinea’s Library, Ms. Lynette Petsul, a postgraduate scientist from the university’s Department of Environmental Science and Geography visited the children as part of a special session.
She emphasized three key actions: reducing plastic pollution, practicing sustainable fishing, and protecting marine life.
Ms. Petsul’s presentation captivated the students, who eagerly participated in discussions and considered how they could help protect the oceans in their daily lives.
In the meantime, Goroka’s Library Learning Center’s highlight of the day was when little Adniel Jeffrey brought a live fish from his family’s pond to show his friends.
This was an especially exciting moment due to Goroka being in the highland’s region, far from the ocean, making the sight of a live fish an extra special treat for the children.
Some LLCs coordinated beach clean-ups in addition to classroom activities, where kids and their families came together to clear trash from nearby beaches, highlighting the value of environmental stewardship and neighbourhood involvement.
The celebrations at each of the LLCs were a huge success, bringing together knowledge and hands-on experience to encourage the next generation to take care of the marine environment.