Over the month of February, two international volunteers ran an awareness course in Madharushathul Ifthithaah School for Grade 10 students about management of the community’s natural resources.

Matthew Morgan, from England, delivered presentations on topics such as the dangers of overfishing, sustainable fishing methods, critiques of current local fishing practices, as well as general fish and coral identification of local species. Clara Scheuring held classes on waste management, topics ranging from educating the students on the detrimental effects of the local method of burning waste, showing them the leading recycling practices of her native Germany, demonstrating the effects of pollution on the environment and marine life, and other subjects designed to educate the participants on alternative methods of waste management with an eco-focus, and help them appreciate the value of the bountiful marine life found in the Maldives, being their most precious natural resource. At the end of their placement, a quiz was held on all of the topics covered over the course of the program, and the class achieved a 100% pass rate.

A ceremony was held on Thursday March 7^th in the presence of the school principal, the classroom teacher, representatives from Naifaru Juvenile, the volunteer instructor, the students and their parents. All students received certificates of participation, and the feedback was all positive.

This program was part of a larger Environmental Awareness Program made possible through the UNDP funding of the Global Environment Fund and Small Grants Funding.