Frank Solomon AND THE SENTINEL OCEAN ALLIANCE

The Sentinel Ocean Alliance creates ocean-based opportunities and provides environmental education for the youth of South Africa’s coastal communities.

It all started with establishing the Hout Bay Surf Lifesaving Club. This development club has grown to almost 60 members, and that won the prestigious Sports Charity of the Year award in 2019. They have also partnered with Waves For Change, a mental health program that uses surfing as a means of therapy.

In December 2020, with the support of Parley For The Oceans, Frank and the Sentinel Ocean Alliance launched the world’s first Parley Ocean School. They have now developed and offer a comprehensive and extensive 8-week programme to the children who come to their school. This serves to deepen their understanding of the issues presented, thereby creating the catalyst for real change in their lives.

Their programme forges a strong love for and connection with the ocean. It helps create a tangible impact on the lives of these children and the health of the environment.

Frank at Hout Bay HQ

In addition to imparting theoretical ocean knowledge, their engaging curriculum also includes many practical and hands-on activities. They also have weekly guest speakers and collaborators to make this program as stimulating and impactful as possible.

The curriculum covers various topics. These include how we are connected to the ocean, marine biodiversity, local marine ecosystems, ocean threats, marine plastic pollution and the Parley AIR Strategy.

They also developed their own swimming program, Turn The Tide. This combines mindfulness practices, ocean theory, and practical swimming lessons in the ocean. They hope to reach as many children as possible to help teach them how to swim and connect with the ocean.

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