Hatch the turtle is off on his next big adventure, sharing his story with students across the world thanks to support from The Rotary Club of Bundaberg Sunrise.
Students in Kenya, the Solomon Islands, Florida Keys, at the Walt Disney Elementary School and in Bundaberg’s Sister Cities in China, Japan and Vanuatu are among the 30 destinations to receive copies of Hatch Saves the Reef to help inspire reading and caring for the environment.
The children’s chapter book, written by local author and Kalkie State School teacher Judith Stutchbury, is a family-friendly adventure with a love for the ocean and the creatures at its heart.
Judith said she was excited about the initiative and grateful for the support.
“It is exciting to think Hatch is travelling to students not only in other parts of the world but also to remote parts of Australia, thanks to the generosity of The Rotary Club of Bundaberg Sunrise,” Judith said.
“It is humbling how much support the story has received locally and to be able to share it with students globally is exciting as an author and teacher.
“All proceeds from book sales support student environmental activities.”
Students from Kalkie State School have participated with school displays at the the Rotary of Bundaberg Sunrise’s annual community Oceanfest event for numerous years, including opening the Reef Room in its inaugural year, and Principal Malinda Findlay said they were excited to be involved
“Literacy is crucial for navigating the complexities of modern life, empowering students to communicate effectively, accessing information, and participating in society,” Malinda said.
“Kalkie State School is thrilled to be leading some international initiatives this year and to be able to share a story that grew from interactions with the Kalkie State School Reef Guardian Program to inspire reading across the globe.”
Oceanfest Coordinator Chris Foley said the initiative's success was thanks to the sponsors involved.
“This initiative would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the generous support of Oceanfest and the Reef Room, in particular, by the Gladstone Ports Corporation,” Chris said.
“The sponsorship from Gladstone Ports, and sponsors in general, makes it possible for the Sunrise Rotary Club to further educate young people about the marine environment, as well as giving back to our local community organisations which also do a wonderful job in Bundaberg and surrounds.”
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