Support continues for ocean literacy
The Ocean Literacy Programme is a long-term project, which KPMG has been supporting for four years. The next phase of the Ocean Literacy Programme is currently being launched within government schools, offering a competition (with supporting teaching materials) and the opportunity to win a class trip to the Little Cayman Research Centre. The schools must provide a visual and written class piece, describing humans’ interconnection with the ocean. Judging will take place on the 22 May, in association with the Department of Tourism, which have supported this fantastic competition.
The feedback from schools is overwhelmingly in support of developing Ocean Literacy where possible and the support for building on the original teacher training undertaken on 2009 is extremely positive. KPMG have provided the backbone to this worthwhile project, providing multi-year support that is integral to the programme and it’s continuing development.
“We are delighted to partner with the CCMI on the Ocean Literacy Programme. We recognise that it is essential to provide our children with a basic understanding of the importance of the ocean, especially here in Cayman,” stated Anthony Cowell, Partner and head of community programme, KPMG in the Cayman Islands
The KPMG Ocean Literacy programme supports the development of teaching materials, teacher training and educational experiences for students such as the recent John A Cumber school trip with Nautilus and CCMI. The Nautilus team provide the perfect backdrop to teach Ocean Literacy and the semi-sub trip is an excellent way to get close to the Cayman Islands spectacular underwater world without even getting wet.
During Earth week CCMI also provided a Reef Series Lecture, which compliments the Ocean Literacy Programme, providing real time updates to the current research projects undertaken at the Little Cayman Research Centre. CCMI’s lab technician and scientist in residence, Emma Camp, provided a 20 minute presentation on ‘Ocean Acidification’, an introduction to the effects of carbon dioxide absorption on the ocean and the impacts this will have. This is one of CCMI’s main research projects and is at the forefront of research within this area. The Reef Lecture Series aims to update Cayman Islands residents on the research findings in an interesting and engaging way. The feedback from the first lecture series was very supportive and those who attended were genuinely engaged and intrigued by this cutting-edge topic.
