HELLU HALLU - SCHOOL EDUCATION IN THE SHELL

This year’s Hello Hallu program has been an incredible journey, not just in terms of what we taught but in how it transformed the minds and hearts of the students involved.We were thrilled to welcome 9 schools, with a total of 180 participants including students, teachers, and parents from across 9 islands, who engaged in this educational experience.

At the start of their sessions, many students admitted in the pre-evaluation that they were scared of seagrass. Their fears stemmed from folklore common in Maldivian culture, where mangroves and seagrass meadows are often depicted as spooky and mysterious places. But as the sessions unfolded, those fears gave way to fascination. The students had the chance to explore not only seagrass meadows, but also coral reefs, megafauna, and sustainable fisheries.

They learned how coral reefs serve as vital habitats for countless species, including fish, mollusks, and invertebrates, while megafauna such as turtles, rays, and sharks play key roles in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. The students also discovered the importance of sustainable fisheries, understanding how overfishing and unsustainable practices threaten the balance of marine life. They came to appreciate how seagrass meadows provide shelter for juvenile fish, turtles, and countless other marine creatures, while also serving as blue carbon ecosystems, crucial in capturing carbon dioxide and protecting coastlines from erosion.

Importantly, the students were made aware of the many threats facing these ecosystems—climate change, pollution, and destructive fishing practices among them. By the end of the program, many students expressed awe and respect for these habitats, seeing them not as scary or otherworldly, but as vital allies in the fight against climate change and the preservation of biodiversity. They walked away with a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of our oceans and the urgent need to protect them for future generations.

This transformation is not unique to this year’s participants. Over the years, we’ve seen how the knowledge gained during Hello Hallu sessions has left a lasting impact on students. Some of our earlier participants have grown up to pursue careers in conservation.Their journey from curiosity to commitment is a testament to the power of these sessions. While not every student may follow this path, what matters most is that they leave with the awareness and passion to share what they’ve learned, sparking conversations and inspiring their communities to value and protect the ocean.

Ultimately, it is these young individuals that are today’s participants and tomorrow’s leaders, who will take up the mantle to protect and conserve the biodiversity and natural beauty of their surroundings and the Maldives as a whole. By fostering a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems, Hello Hallu is helping to build a generation of informed and passionate guardians of nature.

As we wrap up this year’s sessions, we’re excited to refine and enhance our approach for the next batch of participants. The journey doesn’t end here, and we look forward to continuing this vital work in the years to come. Together, we’re laying the foundation for a brighter, more sustainable future for the Maldives and its incredible marine ecosystems.