World Ocean Day: Celebrating Oceans Alive’s Coral Guardian Schools
This World Ocean Day we highlight a vibrant celebration of marine conservation and youth creativity, Vipingo Ridge offered the venue through our partnership with Ocean Alive to the French non-profit organization Coral Guardian, who successfully hosted a memorable coral experience and prize-giving event this past week.
Oceans Alive x Coral Guardian: Project REEL
The event marked a significant milestone in the ongoing REEL Kilifi project (Restoring Reef Ecosystems for Enhanced Livelihoods), a partnership established since the start of 2024. The initiative aims to restore vital coral reefs while engaging local communities with a special focus on inspiring the next generation of ocean guardians.
From 50 Schools to 10 Champions
The journey began with Ocean Alive's Education Department running a Coral Guardian Schools coral restoration program involving 50 schools across Kilifi County.
As part of the curriculum, learners participated in an art competition centered on coral awareness and the importance of corals to marine life. From these 50 schools, 10 schools were selected to attend an all-expenses prize day at the Ocean Alive Offices within Vipingo Ridge Beach Club.
Each of the 10 schools sent 10 pupils, resulting in a focused group of 100 young eco-artists who experienced a hands-on marine learning adventure.
The Schools Represented:
· Vipingo Central Primary
· Timboni Primary
· Tumaini Academy
· Baharini Primary
· Glorious Victory Academy
· St. Joseph Academy
· St. Bernerditte School
· Kilifi Primary
· Kiriba Primary
· Kilifi High Vision
A Day of Discovery, Snorkeling & Art
The Saturday schedule was designed as a rich learning activity, combining classroom-style instruction with hands-on field experience. Pupils were first taken through the immersive coral restoration program, learning how Coral Guardian and Ocean Alive are restoring reef ecosystems to enhance local livelihoods and marine biodiversity.
A key component of the educational experience was a glass bottom boat activity, where the young participants observed firsthand the beauty and fragility of the reef, bringing their classroom lessons to life in the turquoise waters in front of Vipingo Ridge Beach Club. During the boat ride, on the glassbottom boat available for tours, the pupils got the chance to see some of the restored corals and also had the unique opportunity to view the coral placed by Prince Charles during his royal visit to Kenya, and Vipingo Ridge.
Following the boat ride, the students presented the original art pieces they had brought with them. The presentations were fascinating and inspiring, with each piece reflecting deep understanding of coral conservation. From colorful drawings of thriving reefs to messages about protecting marine life, the children's work demonstrated a powerful connection to the ocean.
Certificates and a Shared Commitment
To close the event, each school was presented with a Certificate of Participation in recognition of their commitment to marine stewardship. The ceremony underscored the shared mission of Oceans Alive, Coral Guardian and Vipingo Ridge: to restore Kenya's coastal habitats by empowering local schools as long-term custodians of the sea.
Looking Ahead
The REEL Kilifi project continues to expand, with plans to involve more schools and community members in coral restoration activities. For Vipingo Ridge, hosting this event reaffirms a commitment to environmental stewardship and partnership with organizations like Ocean Alive and Coral Guardian.
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