New programme for young people aspiring to join marine science field |30 November 2015

The Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) is launching a new programme for young people aspiring to enter the field of marine science.

The Youth Ocean Ambassadors programme (YOA) is an intensive, 23-day survey of marine science careers that focuses on conservation, education, research and tourism.

For this cross-cultural collaboration, six young women between the ages of 17 and 20 have been selected in Seychelles and South Africa. From November 27 to December 21, 2015 they will live and work together in Kalk Bay, South Africa. Collaborative partners in the programme are the SOSF Island School Seychelles, Shark Spotters, Animal Ocean, the SOSF Shark Education Centre and Marine Dynamics Tours, as well as other professionals currently operating in the field of marine science.

“I think many young people have a narrow perspective of what it means to go into marine science,” says YOA programme developer and environmental education consultant Sunnye Collins.
“The aim of this programme is to showcase the many avenues that can be travelled in the pursuit of a career in marine science. Not only that, we want to give these young women precious space and time to think about how they can create their own niche in this field.”

The Seychellois participants were chosen by SOSF Island School Seychelles Project manager, Abi March. They are 20-year-old Irma Dubois, currently studying BSc Environmental Sciences at UniSey; 18-year-old Anthea Laurence, recently finished her second year at School of Advanced Level Studies (Sals); and 17-year-old Jaymee Clarisse, in her first year at Sals.

“All three young women have actively taken part in marine education programmes I have run in Seychelles over the last four years,” says Miss March. “In this time they have proved themselves to be passionate and dedicated ambassadors of the marine environment. Now all at post-secondary, they are continuing their studies with a view to following a career in a marine-related field. This programme will help them explore different marine opportunities and give them confidence and rich experiences which they will carry forward in their careers in Seychelles,” adds Miss March.

“This programme is an excellent and timely opportunity,” says 18-year-old Seychellois Anthea Laurence. “It will give me a glimpse into what I can expect of marine science and will inform my decisions about my future profession. Learning about the conservation practices of another country will also be a great experience.”

The YOA programme will explore conservation, education, research and tourism through presentations and discussions with marine science professionals, field work and observation.
The six delegates will also study associated publications and reflect on the learning process through verbal and written work.

The programme will culminate in a workshop on public presentation, in which the young women will communicate to a general audience what they have learnt.
Details about the Youth Ocean Ambassador programme can be found on the Island School Seychelles website.