Local Orphanage Children Snorkel
Trip!
April 17, 2000
As part of the Earth Day 2000 celebrations, Eco-resorts organised
a snorkeling trip for the local orphanage children. The resident Watamu marine
biologist, Richard Bennett, agreed to introduce these children to wonders of the
Watamu National Marine Park and Friday 14th April was the big day.
Richard tells the following story. “We had 17 children and the
matron on board. Our boat captain, Hamisi, was having problems as he had what
appeared to be thousands of laughing, excited children roaming all over the boat,
refusing to sit down and they all wanted to sit on the bow. The boat nearly did
a nose dive before we even left the moorings!
We managed to get the kids to sit down as we motored our way to
the Coral Gardens, but sitting gave them the opportunity to delve through the
mask and snorkel bag… I have never seen people wear masks over their ears or facing
backwards before!
Once we were moored at the Gardens, the fun really started! Seven
kids were fine as they got into the water, mask the right way round, and snorkeled
away quite happily. The other kids all jumped overboard… including the ones who
don’t know how to swim! We threw them back on board the boat but at least two
immediately jumped over again. I don’t think they’ve had so much fun in years!
I’ve no idea if anyone saw any fish at all with all the thrashing
around and yelling, but a great time was had by one and all, thanks were given
and I was asked when the next trip would be…any volunteers?”
If you would like more information on Earth Day or would like
to help coordinate Earth Day events, please contact anne@eco-resorts.com.
“I would be more than happy to work with you to create some fun
and educational ideas for April 22, 2000! Only 5 days to go!”
CONTACT: Anne Loehr
EMAIL: anne@eco-resorts.com
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