AN EDUCATION EVOLUTION IN THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

Despite living surrounded by the ocean, the children of the Galápagos often have little experience of the sea. They don’t understand why tourists come to look at the islands they call home, or why its protection is so important, and have scant knowledge of the extraordinary natural history of the archipelago.

AKP’s Galápagos Infinito program, in collaboration with the Naveducando Foundation, is changing that by enabling every local student in seventh grade (age 12) to live aboard a boat for three to five days, discovering the rich marine life of the islands they call home.

Led by teachers and naturalists, each trip takes 12 children on boats funded by AKP and introduces them to the local wildlife, geology and history of the region. Children also take turns in key tasks vital to the operation of the boat by working as a mechanic, cook or as the captain on the bridge. The value of this responsibility and connection to nature is at the heart of the project, helping to foster a love of the environment among the children, along with the knowledge and skills needed to protect it.

Lessons on board are accompanied by sessions on topics like plastic contamination, guardianship and sustainability, all delivered via games or fun practical lessons that help the children to engage. In the process, they also learn about the employment and earning opportunities of tourism.

The vision is for these young people, as the future guardians of the islands, to have a transformative experience that not only nurtures the individual but deepens their sense of responsibility, care and autonomy when it comes to preserving the islands’ wildlife for the future.