OUR HELLO HALLU MARINE EDUCATION PROGRAMME STARTS AGAIN

Our Hello Hallu Marine Education Programme—meaning ‘Hello Solution’—continues to inspire students across Laamu Atoll. In previous years, our team traveled to the islands to conduct these educational sessions, but since the opening of the Sea Hub of Environmental Learning (SHELL) last year, the program has found a new home at the resort. This is the second time we’ve hosted the program here, and it has already been a resounding success.

The 2024 Hello Hallu program has seen three sessions completed in September, with students from Mundoo School, Ihadhdhoo School, and Dhanbidhoo School eagerly participating. The students have been enthusiastic, fully engaging with the material, and eager to expand their knowledge of the marine environment and the incredible megafauna that inhabit it.

At the session, our marine biologists at Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI) and partnered NGOs delivered insightful presentations on corals, seagrass, and mangroves, explaining their critical roles in maintaining healthy ecosystems. The students also learned about sea turtles through the Olive Ridley Project, learned about the behavior and significance of manta rays with the Manta Trust, and gained an understanding of sustainable fishing thanks to the Blue Marine Foundation. 13 Guest donation items were given to students.

The goal of Hello Hallu is to provide students with a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and inspire them to become future environmental stewards. To measure how much they had absorbed, each session concluded with a knowledge review. The results have been incredibly positive, showing that students are not only learning but are eager to apply their new knowledge to protect the environment. With several more schools scheduled for October, we are excited to continue this educational journey. The Hello Hallu program has once again proven to be a vital part of our mission to promote environmental education and sustainability in Laamu.