eNews

#06 2024

Setting sail for the future: The South African National Blue Schools Programme

By Caitlin Ransom, Science Engagement Officer, NRF-SAEON and Dipuo Masebe, Science Engagement HSRC Intern

Blue Schools is an international programme coordinated by NRF-SAEON and funded by the Department of Science and Innovation in South Africa. The programme aims to increase ocean awareness and literacy to ensure that ocean knowledge is translated into action for sustainable oceans. The International Blue Schools Programme is a collaboration between different Blue Schools networks from countries around the world.

“Ocean literacy is an understanding of the ocean’s influence on you – and your influence on the ocean.” 

The Blue Schools programme started in Portugal and gradually expanded across Europe and the Atlantic Basin, reaching countries in South America, Africa and the Caribbean. The aim is for this concept to continue growing and inspiring communities worldwide.  

The South African Blue Schools programme embarked on an exciting journey in February 2024, launching its national programme, which culminated in the National Blue Schools Conference held in Cape Town on 10 and 11 October. The programme brought together learners, educators and stakeholders to celebrate and share achievements in fostering a deeper connection and understanding of our oceans.

Promoting ocean literacy: A year in review 

This year the programme engaged 218 educators through online and in-person workshops, equipping them with practical tools to inspire their learners. A total of 64 learners from 19 schools participated in Blue Schools projects. The programme aims to increase learner involvement in the coming years by expanding support for educators and schools.

Blue Schools delegates.

Blue Schools conference and field trip inspire future ocean scientists 

SAEON’s Blue Schools Programme culminated in the National Blue Schools Conference, which took place in Cape Town. This two-day event combined hands-on ocean-related activities with a symposium exhibiting outstanding research projects completed by learners.

The conference had 50 attendees, including 10 learners chosen to present their study, educators, SAEON-affiliated learners from Cape Town schools, and numerous renowned guests. It allowed learners to showcase their hard work and encourage others to join the Blue Schools initiative in the future.

The event featured an engaging keynote speech from Dr Mamoletsi Mosia (managing director of NRF-SAASTA) and welcome remarks by Dr Mary-Jane Bopape (managing director of NRF-SAEON). Special guests Mr Sigcau and Mr Mvandaba from Zimele High School in Mthatha, whose learners performed excellently in the research components of the projects, recounted their experience with the Blue Schools Programme and highlighted the vital skills their learners developed.

Tania Duba, a PhD candidate at the University of Cape Town and a former “SAEON Kid”, gave an encouraging talk about her transition from SAEON’s school programmes to advanced studies. Mikaela van der Merwe (Inkosi Moses Zikhali Secondary School) and Milani Xingashe (Zimele High School) discussed their own transforming Blue Schools experiences, including their first flights, surfing lessons and other memorable memories.

The learners’ presentations were the highlight of the conference. They amazed the audience with their well-researched concepts. Special congratulations to the top three winners: Lothise Shukuma, Zintle Mlambo and Onako Sophazi.

The top three winners receiving their prizes. From left: Lothise Shukuma (first place), Zintle Mlambo (second place) and Onako Sophazi (third place).

Explore Cape Town’s oceans 

Prior to the conference, learners and mentors went on an interesting field excursion around Cape Town, where they participated in ocean-themed activities.

The day began with a pirate-themed boat excursion aboard the Jolly Roger, which provided a close-up view of the landmarks S.A. Agulhas II and Robben Island. With dolphins swimming alongside the boat and whales sighted in the distance, it was a memorable experience – especially for learners on their first boat excursion.

After lunch in Hout Bay, learners had a spectacular drive up Chapman’s Peak to Muizenberg, where they attempted surfing for the first time. While many could not swim, the experience helped them become more comfortable in the water and develop a stronger connection to the ocean. The youngest member, sixth-grader Siyamthanda Yenge, became the group’s surfing star.

The journey continued at Dalebrook Tidal Pool, where students explored the rocky shoreline and collected intertidal zone data using the LiMPETS methodology. This hands-on experience exposed them to citizen science and key research approaches, generating debates about how data might help solve interesting ocean issues.

The day ended with a Python coding session that taught learners about data literacy and how to programme real-world applications with Argo float data. This session not only improved their technological skills, but it also provided educators and mentors with ideas for data-driven initiatives that do not require direct access to the water.

The Blue Schools National Conference and Field Trip demonstrate SAEON’s dedication to promoting ocean literacy and inspiring the next generation of ocean scientists. These young scholars have established a high standard for the programme and proven how initiatives like Blue Schools may have long-term impacts on both learners and communities.

Charting the course for 2025 

In 2025, the Blue Schools programme aims to expand its reach by encouraging more schools to participate and empowering educators to champion ocean literacy. We hope to inspire more learners to explore the vital role of oceans in connecting people and ecosystems globally, whether they live by the ocean nor not.

Through hands-on projects, students not only learn about their connections to the ocean but also gain insight into marine careers. By fostering this deeper understanding, the programme equips the next generation to become champions for our oceans and their future.

Together, we are setting sail towards a brighter, bluer and more ocean-literate future.

Visit the SAEON Education website to learn more about Blue Schools.

Special guests, Mr Sigcau and Mr Mvandaba from Zimele High School, share their experiences with the Blue Schools Programme and the valuable skills their learners gained.