The National Coordinators of the All-Atlantic Blue Schools Network met in person for the first time at the Ocean Literacy Dialogues event, for an intense exchange of experiences and evaluation of the national Blue Schools programs.
From October 10th to 14th, the National Coordinators of the All-Atlantic Blue School Network met in Santos, Brazil for an annual evaluation meeting that took place during the Ocean Literacy Dialogues event. They represented 14 Atlantic countries for a deep exchange of experiences and knowledge in order to strengthen the network and seek innovative ways to leverage the Blue Schools Network in the Atlantic.
On October 10th, the representatives took part in a roundtable, streamed online, to present the state-of-the art of the network and share their local experiences in the implementation and development of national Blue School programs.
During the week, workshops were held to evaluate the progress of the network and exchange successful experiences and challenges encountered in each country, thus strengthening national programs and the Atlantic network. There were over 20 hours of discussion and group dynamics to identify gaps and opportunities to leverage national programs and the international Atlantic network. There were also moments of interaction among teachers and students of Brazilian Blue Schools and with the society for an immersion in Ocean Literacy in Brazil.
On October 14th, a roundtable in the voice of teachers from Argentinian and Brazilian Blue Schools, brought a very rich exchange of experiences, an inspiration for teachers from all over the Atlantic to be aware and start a movement of multiplying Blue Schools. We also had an exciting exchange between the Young Ambassadors of the Atlantic and students from Brazilian Blue Schools, when in their voices we could experience the power of young people in building the science we need for the ocean we want. On the occasion, Sofia Cordeiro, coordinator of AANChOR, took part online to share the project’s history.
Then, the roundtable proceeded to a summary of the results of the workshops held during the week with representatives of the network’s countries. We ended it up with important reports from members of the All-Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance who followed the group during the whole week, Mr. Gilbert Siko and Ms. Fhumulani Ramukwato, from the Department of Science and Innovation – from the Blue School Program in South Africa, and Vanessa Batista, from Ciência Viva, Portugal.
Watch all sessions recorded on the All-Atlantic Blue Schools Network YouTube channel!
The All-Atlantic Blue Schools Network has the support of AANChOR and funding from the European Union.
Main picture source: Irish OL Network
