The Marine Modules programme was set into motion to bring a sense of responsibility and awareness to the children. The Bajau Laut have long been part of a culture very in tune with the ocean. They have lived above it for generations. They have made a living out of it for generations. The purpose of these modules was to give modern marine knowledge to these children. Additionally, it aimed to integrate this knowledge with their cultural knowledge and practices.
Adzmin, a representative from Reef Check Malaysia, was involved in creating the modules for this programme. This creation process occurred concurrently with carrying out the programme. As a pilot programme, it was important to us to learn as we went. We aimed to develop modules that were practical, safe, and effective. These modules needed to support long-term education and impact the children positively.
Training was conducted with Reef Check for Modulse 1 and 2 for our staff. Iskul’s 6 staff learned about the importance of the sea and its heart, the coral reef. The team also had a practical session of coral planting using the Coral Frame or Epoxy Coral method. We had also secured a grant to complete the marine module. This grant funds the Open Water sessions for our staff and students. It also provides seed money. This funding helps our students initiate an action project. The goal is to save the environment at the end of the marine module. For the content creation project, Iskul’s two mentors, Jefry and Rahmat, guided the 10 youth participants. They continued their guidance through a total of 23 videos. This has been ongoing since January 2022. The productions are a mixture of tutorials (11), theatre/short film (6), performances (4) and vblog (2).
Our full time teacher, Cikgu Ayu, conducted the first Marine Modules with the student. They began mapping the sea and marine life in Omadal. The students also learned about the seas and the water life cycles.
This Marine Stewardship Module has evolved into a “Pejuang Laut” module. At the end of the module, students will undertake a project of their interest. The project will focus on ways to protect the sea in Omadal.
Since then, our students continue to learn about the importance of the sea. They learn about seas surrounding Omadal and all the seas in the world from Module 1. After that, they also learn about the coral reefs. They understand why coral reefs are critical to the sea and their sea produce.
During this time, students explore the sea to discover marine life. They learn to map these findings. Students also learn about the water cycle. This helps them understand how the raining phenomena relate to their daily life. They harvest the rainwater for use.
We secured a grant from NDI to continue to engage ReefCheck to finish the Marine Module. The grant also covers the costs of Open Water scuba-diving certifications for our staff and students. Additionally, it funds the student-initiated action project at the end of the module.
four Iskul teachers, namely Teacher Ayu, Teacher Rahmat, Teacher Bilkuin, and Khairul attended an Open Water diving course. The course lasted three days. It included one day of theoretical instruction. There were also two days of practical training in the sea. The training was facilitated by two certified instructors from PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors.)
On 15th July 2023, the theoretical class was conducted at Iskul, Pulau Omadal, Semporna, Sabah. During this session, participants had to fill out the PADI liability release form. Afterward, they watched a video divided into five sections. The video covered essential aspects of diving.
While watching the video, the PADI instructors assessed the suitability of Pulau Omadal for diving activities. But, due to several risks identified, they chose a different location. These risks included a lack of designated diving areas. There was also an absence of prior diving activities in Pulau Omadal. Additionally, there was a high volume of boat traffic in the area. The instructors were unfamiliar with the sea conditions. Hence, they decided to conduct the diving activities at Pulau Mabul instead. Participants would stay at accommodations on Pulau Mabul. They would be there for two days and one night. This stay was to finish the course.
On 16th July 2023, the participants travelled to Pulau Mabul by boat. They were accompanied by the PADI instructors and their assistant, Adib. The practical training began with a detailed introduction to diving equipment. This included the cylinder tank, BCD, regulator, weight belt, mask, and fins. Participants were instructed to properly inspect, assemble, and wear the equipment. Then, they were guided to descend into the water and practise various skills. These included seated back roll entry, breathing underwater using the regulator, and using hand signals. Other skills were clearing and recovering the regulator, and getting water out of the mask. They also practised managing air supply, descending and equalising, and swimming underwater. Additionally, they used alternate air sources, ascended, and conducted emergency procedures.
On 17th July 2023, participants were briefed on the skills to be tested while underwater. These included preventing problems and managing surface problems for both responsive and unresponsive divers. They learned to handle underwater equipment-related issues and keep neutral buoyancy hovering. Participants practised performing Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent (CESA). They also conducted a 30-minute dive at Resort Smart area for nitrogen release. This was followed by a safety stop to help ascent.
Nine students in our highest class level participated in the same courses as our staff. This took place from the 26th to the 28th of July. We are very proud of all the staff and students who passed the Open Water Diving course. We hope this knowledge will be useful in the future.
