As Seahawk’s 2024 exploration of French Polynesia comes to a close it should be noted that the archipelago is much more than a beautiful natural wonder. Our time here has indeed been magical due to the splendor of so many lush tropical atolls, each offering its own amazing and often unique underwater vista. But the charm of the Tuamotu and other island groups we have visited here in French Polynesia is also reflected in its people, especially the children. Despite the challenges of island life, and there are many, the generosity and warmth extended to visitors enjoy few equals.
Seahawk’s repurposing for community outreach and the advancement of science affords many interesting and rewarding experiences. The shark migration work in particular has delivered a unique insight into the amazing biodiversity of the world’s oceans. The hope, of course, is that beyond satisfying curiosity these new understandings will lead to better management of fish stocks and other ocean resources. But science by itself cannot address the impending collapse of the marine ecosystem. As custodians of seas what happens next will depend on what people, especially the next generation, decide to do. The sobering fact is that children in primary school today will likely determine the fate of world, at least in terms of climate and other life-giving resources. Hence the reason to do everything possible to give this new generation the tools needed to make good choices.
Seahawk has supported many island communities as part of an effort to better equip this next generation with the knowledge to be careful and prudent custodians. While the ultimate outcome is not known, the hope is that an improved skillset will lead to both greater personal success and better decision making for the local communities and beyond. The idea roots to an assumption that everything begins locally before transcending to something bigger. In essence a collective wisdom is born once local concerns are addressed.
In this spirit, and in combination with Yacht Aid Global, Tahiti Private Expeditions, the Government of French Polynesia, and Seahawk Enterprises, I present Seahawk’s latest endeavor, the Makemo Arikitamiro Primary School computer learning project. If successful, primary students attending Arikitamiro school will acquire a practical understanding of modern PC and Apple based technology. More is more when it comes to being both aware and expert in the subject. Those in command of the information, able to communicate that knowledge effectively, will determine the final outcome.
Written by: Adam Alpert
To learn more about projects like this, and how you can get involved, please visit: https://yachtaidglobal.org/
