As in the first edition of FOJAEB, which offered screenings of Jacques Perrin’s film “Oceans” to students and schoolchildren in Lomé (Togo), the second edition of FOJAEB has continued the tradition of placing children at the heart of ocean and marine-related challenges. The aim is to spark their interest, curiosity, and calling for ocean- and coastal-related careers, as well as the protection of aquatic environments.
Indeed, it was the Alliance Française of Toliara – the host city of the second FOJAEB edition – that served as the venue on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, for the screening of “Oceans” by Jacques Perrin. This screening was held as a side session of FOJAEB, in anticipation of the Forum’s official opening the following day, April 17, 2025.
Under the high patronage of Dr. Paubert Mahatante, Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy of Madagascar, and in the presence of Mr. Ernest TINDO, President of the Pan-African Youth Organization for the Blue Economy (OPJEB), the children of Toliara attentively watched the screening, which left a strong impression on them.
Starting at 3:00 p.m., the organizing committee was on site to welcome participants, particularly schoolchildren from Toliara, invited to this educational and interactive activity. Once the children were settled, the session began with a series of opening remarks.
First to speak was Mr. Franck David, Director of the Alliance Française of Toliara, who welcomed the Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, the OPJEB team, and the children along with their supervisors. He was followed by Minister Paubert Mahatante and President Ernest TINDO, who both emphasized the importance of raising awareness among children from an early age about ocean conservation, encouraging them to watch the film attentively.
An Immersive Documentary to Inspire Future Careers
The floor was then given to Dr. Alexia Lourtie, a marine biologist specialized in science communication at universities in Belgium and the session’s moderator. She briefly introduced the goals of the screening and prepared the children for the upcoming discovery of the film « Oceans. »
Following these introductory speeches, the screening began at 3:20 p.m. The 1-hour-40-minute documentary plunges viewers into the depths of the ocean, unveiling the beauty, diversity, and fragility of marine life. With minimal narration, the film allows the sounds and visuals of the underwater world to speak for themselves, offering a sensory immersion that prompts reflection on our relationship with nature. Through this powerful piece, the children discovered a world that is both mesmerizing and vulnerable, raising their awareness of the urgent need for its protection.
The screening was followed by a Q&A session, moderated by Dr. Alexia Lourtie, and marked by the children’s spontaneity and curiosity. They asked questions that were both insightful and charmingly innocent, showing a genuine interest in the marine world.
At 5:20 p.m., the Director of the Centre invited the children to a friendly cocktail reception, followed by a group photo session. The day concluded at 6:05 p.m., setting a hopeful tone for a second edition of FOJAEB filled with even greater achievements for the benefit of Africa’s youth.
Source: matinlibre
