Jean Tresfon, renowned marine conservation and wildlife underwater and aerial photographer, pilot, and ambassador of the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, recently donated 55 tickets for Ukhanyo learners and staff to spend the day at the Aquarium. The school decided to offer the buddy (monitor) from each of the 48 classes to go with senior members of staff. It was a fantastic success.

Some quotes from those who went

• Dolly, English lab teacher, said “I had the time of my life. The kids loved it in every way.”
• Tula, the Maths lab teacher, said “What a time we had. I cannot tell you how much I loved it. It was amazing!”
• Sports coach Nceba glowed “I can’t wait to take my daughter there. Everyone was so engaging and wonderful to us all, particularly to the kids. Even the bus driver! Jean was great as were the staff at the Aquarium who made the fish and sea come alive. The kids asked such great questions – was proud of them.”

Two children from Grade 6 also commented “Thank you so much. It was just amazing. We loved it and learnt so much.”

What a day! Jean Tresfon put these pictures and note on his facebook page.

Some days are just special and yesterday was a great example… It was my incredible privilege to play host to some of the staff and kids from Ukhanyo Primary School in Masiphumele for a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium.

At last year’s awesome SANCCOB saves seabirds charity auction I was the successful bidder on an School Aquarium Experience for 50 learners and 5 staff. Former South African cricketing legend, Vince van der Bijl, together with Ukhanyo coach, Nceba Jonas, has been doing amazing work with these kids on the sporting side through the MCC Masi 7590 Sports Club and after chatting to him we decided that they would be a great choice for this experience. These kids live just over 2 km from the ocean but most have no experience of the underwater world. There are so many things we take for granted and I was reminded of this quite sharply when vice-principal Tozi told me that the bus ride to the Waterfront was the first time these kids had been to the city centre!

Maryke Musson her staff pulled out all the stops and the kids enjoyed a tour of the Aquarium, including an interactive classroom session, a visit to the predator exhibit and of course watching the stingray feed at the I&J ocean exhibit. The kid’s expressions told the whole story as they enjoyed the various displays, highlighting the important educational role played by this amazing facility. A huge thank you to the Aquarium for going the extra mile and also arranging the transport to get the kids there and back. Hopefully some new ocean advocates in the making…

Many thanks Jean – your generosity to give the Ukhanyo learners a day that they will never forget is deeply appreciated.