IJSKP 2026 – Speak For the Sea

As part of the International Junior SeaKeepers Programme (IJSKP) 2026 curriculum, Junior SeaKeepers from the Asia Chapter gathered on 13 February for “Speak for the Sea – Turning Science into Stories,” an engaging in-person workshop led by Marla Lise, SeaKeepers Asia’s Education Programme Planner.

Marla specially designed the workshop, drawing on her professional experience as a writer, helping people better understand science. Combining her scientific background with her passion for storytelling, eco-literacy, and regenerative storytelling practices, she created a session to help our young ocean advocates communicate science in more meaningful and accessible ways.

The workshop began with a lively icebreaker activity that demonstrated how easily information can become distorted or misinterpreted as it is passed from person to person. This sparked thoughtful discussions around key questions such as: Is science truly accessible? Are stories enough to inspire action? And why is fact-checking so important?

Marla guided participants through the essential elements of storytelling, helping them understand how to transform scientific facts into compelling narratives. Participants explored how to identify a strong story angle, simplify scientific concepts, and connect emotionally with audiences through structure and storytelling techniques.

Using prompts such as setting, character, problem, science, and choice, Junior SeaKeepers reflected on who or what was at the heart of their projects and the one message they wanted people to care about. Through this interactive session, participants gained valuable tools to turn ocean science into stories that inspire awareness, empathy, and action.