On November 10th, we had the privilege of conducting a school visit at SD 2 Kerobokan, a local school conveniently located just across from our office. This visit aimed to teach the students about the proper management of trash and the importance of the ocean. Our target audience was the fifth graders, as their age is perfect for understanding and addressing environmental issues. This school visit is not a one-time event; we have a long-term commitment to SD 2 Kerobokan and plan to continue this program the following year, making this school our target.

The school visit was divided into two sessions, with the first session being a formal presentation. In this session, we explained the problematic nature of trash and its impact on the ocean and how the students can adequately manage their waste. We started by discussing the various types of debris. We highlighted the negative consequences of the trash on marine life and the ecosystem. We also emphasized reducing, reusing, recycling, and upcycling to minimize our environmental impact.

We made the presentation interactive to keep the energy levels high and engage the students. We incorporated discussions to encourage active participation. To our surprise, the students were even more active than we expected. They were excited and eager to participate from the beginning of the presentation. Whenever we asked a question, they bravely answered and shared their opinions. This unpredictability makes working with students inspiring; their answers often exceeded our expectations and sometimes left us questioning. However, this is precisely the purpose of the school visit - to spark curiosity, encourage questions, and make the students realize the importance of caring for their environment.

Despite the length of the presentation, the students' energy remained high. They confidently gave their opinions and asked thoughtful questions, leaving us with pride that we had effectively delivered the message to them. We could see their genuine interest in the topic and willingness to make a positive change.

After the lengthy presentation, we took a break and proceeded with the second, fun-filled game session. The purpose of this session was to not only provide a break from the formal presentation but also to foster teamwork and creativity among the students.

The students were divided into six groups of 10 to 11 people. Within each group we further divided them into smaller groups of three. Each group had a different activity to engage in, promoting other skills and aspects of environmental awareness.

The first group played a crossword game on waste management and ocean conservation. They had to solve clues and fill in the correct words to complete the crossword puzzle. This activity tested their knowledge and understanding of the concepts discussed in the formal session.

The second group engaged in a creative storytelling activity using Muze cubes. Muze cubes are specially designed with different images and symbols on each side. The students had to roll the cubes and use the pictures they landed on to create a story about the ocean. This activity encouraged their imagination and storytelling skills while reinforcing the importance of protecting our oceans.

The third group worked on making eco-bricks, which are plastic bottles filled with tightly packed non-biodegradable waste. This hands-on activity allowed the students to actively contribute to waste management by repurposing plastic and creating sustainable building materials. They learned how to properly pack the waste into the bottles and the importance of keeping non-biodegradable materials out of landfills and oceans.

The school visit at SD 2 Kerobokan was a genuinely enriching experience for the students and us. It allowed us to educate the students on the proper management of trash and raise awareness about the importance of the ocean. By empowering these young students with knowledge and understanding, we aim to inspire them to become environmental stewards and make sustainable choices in their daily lives.