Young Students in Dubai and Sharjah Learn Value of Marine Protection in School Tour

The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates visited the United International Private School (UIPS), Al Alfiah Filipino Private School (AFPS), and Far Eastern Philippine School (FEPS) and conducted a Storytelling and Paper Folding Activity in celebration of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMO 2022) in the Philippines. A total of 147 students participated in the storytelling of “Bayan ng Basura” and paper folding activity conducted by Vice Consul Paola Belle D. Ebora together with Cultural Officer Jomarie R. Pabilla and assistant Freddie “Yosh” Romero.

04 October 2022, Dubai – A total of 147 students from three school in Dubai and Sharjah learned the value of marine protection in a storytelling and paper folding activity conducted by the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates in celebration of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month in the Philippines.

The Consulate’s team, led by Vice Consul Paola Belle D. Ebora, together with Cultural Officer Jomarie R. Pabilla and assistant Freddie “Yosh” Romero, had a tour of three schools namely, United International Private School (UIPS), Al Alfiah Filipino Private School (AFPS), and Far Eastern Philippine School (FEPS) wherein they had a storytelling of the book, “Bayan ng Basura” (unofficial translation: Town of Trash) and a paper folding activity with the students.

The storytelling activity began with an introduction of the Philippines as an archipelagic country blessed with rich marine biodiversity. The students were engaged immediately as they were asked questions about what they know about the Philippines and whether they can name different sea creatures. Then, the characters in the story, “Bayan ng Basura,” were introduced.

“Bayan ng Basura,” published by Adarna House, written by Augie Rivera, and illustrated by Jill Arteche, tells the story of Pawikan and his other sea creature friends who suffered from marine pollution and sought help from humans. The story teaches the students the value of marine protection and how to take action to save the oceans.

A lively narration and voicing of characters together with paper dolls of the characters kept the audience engaged. At the end of the storytelling session, the narrator asked the students what they have learned from the story and all of them actively answered “Don’t throw garbage in the sea!,” “We have to take care of our fishes!,” “We should not litter,” and the likes.

The second part of the session was the paper folding activity wherein the students learned to make a fish origami. The students enjoyed the activity very much and they were fully engaged every step of the way. Some other students who found difficulty in following some of the steps were helped by the Consulate’s team as well as the assisting teachers of the schools.

The school principals and administrators of all three schools expressed their gratitude to the Consulate for holding the activity in their schools. They appreciated that such activity was held for the students as it was educational and fun as well. END

The second part of the session is the paper folding activity wherein the students learned to make a fish out of paper. The students enjoyed the activity very much and they were fully engaged every step of the way. Some other students who found difficulty in following some of the steps were helped by the Consulate’s team as well as the assisting teachers of the schools