School children in Vietnam learn about the world’s rarest turtle living next door

Students are eagerly playing the board game “Lucky turtle”. Photo by Nguyen Tai Thang – ATP/IMC. .


From the 11th to 15th September 2017 the annual school program was held for secondary school children living close to the world’s rarest rurtle, the Hoan Kiem Turtle (Rafetus swinhoei). A special lesson plan was presented for five local secondary schools around Dong Mo Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam.

As a priority species for turtle conservation, the ATP has developed and run a long-term school program for the species at a number of locations. This year, a total of 1,051 students of 6th and 7th grades participated in the program. All the students were enthusiastic and excited to learn about Vietnams 25 tortoise and freshwater turtle species, particularly the giant, rare turtle living in Dong Mo Lake not far from the schools. Actions taken and needed to protect this legendary turtle were also discussed and ideas given on how the students could support conservation themselves.

“I am so happy to see the excitement of the students when they enjoyed our school program, especially when they’re playing the Lucky turtle game. It was also unforgettable experiences to have while standing in front of that many students to help them learn about turtle conservation”, said Phan Quoc Dung and Nguyen My Linh, volunteers for the ATP.

Press release by: Nguyen Tai Thang – ATP/IMC.
DATE: 02nd Oct 2017

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