“The greatest danger to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”
This quote, by British explorer Robert Swan, features prominently on the website of Kids 4 The Oceans and it describes a threat this fantastic organisation is doing all they can to remove.
Their plan is to educate youngsters about the need to look after the environment and engage them by taking them on virtual dives using VR headsets.
And we are delighted that Emperor Divers have been able to play a very small part in this development by hosting Kids 4 The Oceans on two of our Red Sea boats when some filming of the footage was taking place.
Founder Emil Karath explains more: “The aim of my association is to educate the younger generation about ocean conservation, the protection of endangered marine species.
“One of our projects is to go to different schools (primary and high schools) to give lectures. In the first half of our lecture, the pupils listen to a presentation about coral reef life and the problems of global warming.
“In the second half of the lesson, children will be able to dive virtually using VR glasses. In this they can dive into the coral reefs, meet octopuses, coral fishes, moray eels, dolphins etc.
“The children really enjoy the virtual dive – and their teachers also do!
“So far around 2,000 children have seen our programme since last year. This school year we will be visiting many more schools and educating students from three countries – Hungary, Slovakia and Romania – using this method.
“This way many children who would never get to the beach can enjoy the underwater world.
“We also visit seriously ill children who spend long months in hospital, making their days a little more exciting and a little easier, and also educate disadvantaged children.
“Our plan is to make another film showing the ‘megafauna’ of the open waters. This will be the next lecture and program to take to the children.”
We think this is a fantastic initiative and a wonderful way of introducing children to the amazing world that exists beneath our oceans.
Anything that helps the next generation to take action – and not leave it to someone else – deserves our support.
To enable Kids 4 The Oceans to further development their range of educational films, financial backing is needed. If you feel you are able to make a donation to aid the great work done by Emil and his team please follow this link to their funding page.