Jakarta, 3 August 2023 — Indonesia Indah Foundation (IIF) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Captain Fanplastic Program in Indonesia; an innovative initiative aimed at combating plastic pollution by fostering environmental stewardship among younger generations. This program represents a significant step towards creating a sustainable future and protecting our planet from the detrimental effects of plastic waste.
The Captain Fanplastic Program is an environmental literacy programme that uses graphic storytelling, creativity, and gamification to educate learners about the impact of land based pollution on the marine environment and the value of plastic should it be recycled. Designed for students in primary schools, with a particular focus on national and international schools on the islands of Java and Bali, it aims to engage young minds in understanding the impact of plastic pollution and equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive change.
The Captain’s mission is to enable young learners and corporates to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Number 4, 12, and 14) through online and offline experiential education. The program creates a measurable impact and drives behavioral change with a new mindset of #NoTrashButTreasure.
In Indonesia, the program was officially launched by non-profit organisation, Indonesia Indah Foundation, on 20 April 2023 at Sunrise School, Bali. Shortly after, its first national school was engaged, educating 150 primary school learners at SDN Sunter Agung 13 national school in North Jakarta. The program will run on an ongoing basis, allowing private schools to incorporate it into their extracurricular activities, or companies to sponsor national schools to receive the program throughout the academic year.
“We are so excited to be bringing the Captain Fanplastic story to young learners in Indonesia, as part of our existing Saya Pahlawan Lingkungan (I am an Environmental Hero) education program,” says Angela Jelita Richardson, Founder of IIF. “The colorful story of Captain Fanplastic and his turtle friend Fin is no doubt to make an impact on these learners, especially when combined with storytelling, activities, and immediate action through cleaning up. It’s a holistic approach to plastic education!”
The Captain Fanplastic Program is a global initiative that originated in South Africa under the company Soapbox South Africa. They are active in 11 countries (South Africa, Indonesia, Netherlands, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tomé & Principe, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Maldives & Seychelles). Ruben Hazelzet, serving as the Creative Director of Southbox South Africa, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I am delighted to witness the transformation of children into friendly pirates, embarking on a quest to discover (plastic) treasures.”
Indonesia Indah Foundation has the rights to distribute the program in Java and Bali, which has been translated and adapted to reach the hearts and minds of as many young learners in Indonesia as possible.
Captain Fanplastic is a comprehensive educational framework that combines classroom learning with hands-on activities. The program features interactive lessons and workshops in a fun and engaging way, educating students about the life cycle of plastic, its impact on ecosystems, and the importance of waste reduction, recycling, and responsible consumption. Furthermore, it promotes the adoption of alternative materials and innovative solutions to reduce plastic waste generation.
To maximize the impact of the program, students are engaged in clean-ups around their campuses, and are encouraged to actively engage with local waste banks to implement sustainable waste management practices.
IIF invites international schools in Indonesia (Java and Bali) to engage the Captain Fanplastic Program and join them in this vital mission. By integrating the program into their curriculum, schools can provide their students with a comprehensive educational experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, for a cleaner and brighter future.