Beyond the Shoreline project expands to more Dar es Salaam schools as JMKF intensifies marine protection drive

Dar es Salaam. The Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation, in partnership with Sana Mare, Mazingira Konekti and Transforming Lives, has stepped up its environmental education campaign targeting secondary school students in Dar es Salaam through the Beyond the Shoreline initiative and screenings of the animated film Baharimania.

The latest session was held on May 21, 2026 at Mugabe Secondary School in Shekilango, where students watched the film and took part in lessons focused on marine conservation and the impact of plastic pollution.

The programme seeks to reach 20 secondary schools across the region, using creative tools such as film and storytelling to strengthen environmental awareness among young people. Baharimania follows Anzi Makini, a young marine scientist from a fishing community, who campaigns to protect the ocean from plastic waste while educating viewers on its harmful effects on marine ecosystems.

So far, 719 students from 14 schools have participated in the outreach this year, while 4,373 students have viewed the film since the initiative began.

JMKF Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Anyoti said the film has proven to be an effective tool for simplifying complex environmental challenges for young audiences, many of whom have limited direct exposure to marine environments.

“We aim to reach 5,000 students by December 2026 as we continue raising awareness on the effects of plastic pollution on marine life and communities that depend on the ocean,” she said.

She added that the foundation believes creative storytelling can help shift mindsets and encourage young people to take active roles in environmental protection.

The partners say the initiative is also designed to strengthen youth awareness on conservation and improve waste management practices, while encouraging communities to take collective responsibility for protecting oceans and natural resources for sustainable development.