Odysseo Foundation mobilises young students in Rodrigues
From 1 to 15 February, the Odysseo Foundation team brought the ocean into classrooms across Rodrigues through the Odysseo @ the Schools programme. Rolled out in 22 primary schools, the initiative raised awareness among more than 1,000 students - mainly in Grade 4 - about the challenges facing marine ecosystems.
Born in Rodrigues and initiated by Odysseo Oceanarium, the programme is now led by Odysseo Foundation. It aims to strengthen understanding of the essential role played by mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs in supporting biodiversity, regulating the climate and protecting coastal areas. Through a fun and interactive approach, students learn about the threats facing these ecosystems and reflect on possible solutions.
The Plastic Fisherman workshop encourages students to explore the issue of plastic pollution in a concrete way, before making a personal commitment to protect the environment. Artist Kan Chan Kin also contributed through the Trash to Music project, transforming waste into musical instruments and using creativity as a powerful awareness tool.
Supported by the Australian High Commission and complemented by a beach clean-up organised with Shoals Rodrigues, the programme is part of a long-term vision. In an island nation like Mauritius, where 99.9% of the territory is ocean, instilling a culture of ocean stewardship from an early age is a strong commitment by Odysseo Foundation to future generations.