Floating Classroom
A small project in the Galapagos Islands aims to connect local school children with their environment.
A population of around 30,000 people live in the Galapagos Islands - a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Located in the Pacific, 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Archipelago consists of thirteen main islands and over 120 volcanic islets surrounded by a marine reserve. Both the islands and the ocean provide sanctuary to many endemic species.
Much of the archipelago is only accessible by boat and for a large percentage of school-age Galapagos children, these incredibly rich, biodiverse areas are unreachable, known only by name in a textbook in a classroom.
In 2021 we supported a small project, Galapagos Infinito, founded by Roby Pepolas of the Naveducando Foundation. The idea was to introduce a Floating Classroom experience for Seventh Graders (10-11 year olds) to connect them to their environment and encourage them to be good stewards of the archipelago.
The carefully designed programme offers an active off-grid experience by transforming tourist boats into floating classrooms and taking groups of children to explore the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve. Trips include lessons in wildlife, ecology, geology and history, as well as discussion about conservation and sustainability, as well as an environmental clean-up activity.
Tragically, Roby Pépolas passed away in 2021 leaving his friends to carry on his mission. We are delighted to see the project go from strength to strength, and take great pride that we were one of the first to support its efforts.
"During the 2021-2022 school year (May to February), the Galapagos Infinito Programme
took 75 students from the rural schools of Santa Cruz Island with in-person
activities including sailing classes and a one-day excursion to one of the visitors sites of the Galapagos National Park. With the generous support of Explorers Against Extinction, more than 500 7th graders enjoyed two half-day in-person experiential activities in the 2022-23 school year."
Noémi d’Ozouville
President & Executive Director
December 2023 Update
We recently received an update which we would like to share with you!
95 students from San Francisco School 7th grade in Santa Cruz and their teachers spent a day on-board the sailboat Ballenato, circumnavigating Daphne Islet, encountering dolphins, and exploring a remote beach with sea lions and turtles.
8 students from Carlos Darwin School 7th grade in San Cristobal and their teacher, spent 4 days on-board the M/V Santa Cruz II, venturing far west towards the volcanic shores of Isabela and Fernandina teaming with endemic wildlife, awe-inspiring views, and south towards the historical stomping grounds of pirates and whalers.
Image: Naveducando