Ripples of Change- Pauline Safari and the Ocean Buddies Movement Along Kenya’s Coast
Along Kenya’s fascinating coastline, where the ocean hums secrets of life and endurance, Pauline Safari is charting a new course for the next generation of ocean lovers. In a male-dominated field, she has defied cultural norms and expectations by founding Ocean Buddies, an initiative that brings the ocean to life for children in care homes. Through storytelling, games, and playful learning, Pauline transforms ordinary afternoons into journeys beneath the waves, nurturing curiosity, wonder, and a deep connection to the marine world. For these children, the sea is no longer distant; it is a place to explore, imagine, and protect.
“For many children living along the coast,” Pauline begins, “the ocean is right next to them, yet emotionally and intellectually far away.”
She explains that a 2022–2023 Teachers Arena report revealed a startling fact: out of 559,620 university students in Kenya, only 56 enrolled in fisheries programs, a mere 0.01%. “That number opened my eyes,” Pauline says. “It showed how little our young people know about ocean-related careers or the role they can play as future stewards.”
That realization inspired Ocean Buddies, a first-of-its-kind program introducing children in care homes, often overlooked in literacy campaigns, to the ocean’s wonders. Through playful storytelling, ocean-themed art, and games, Pauline and her team spark curiosity and confidence in the children.
“Even though we’re still in the pilot stage, the impact is heartwarming,” she shares. “Children are now asking questions, naming fish species, and showing a genuine love for the ocean. My dream is to see a generation that views the ocean not just as a holiday destination, but as a source of life, opportunity, and inspiration.”
Women and Youth: The Heart of Ocean Conservation
Pauline’s work goes beyond children; she’s a passionate advocate for the inclusion of women and youth in marine conservation.
“Women are already playing vital roles,” she notes. “They restore mangroves, farm seaweed, and process fish. Youth bring innovation and fresh ideas. Together, they are the next generation of ocean guardians.”
Yet, challenges persist. Cultural norms, stereotypes, and limited empowerment opportunities often keep women and youth away from leadership spaces. Encouragingly, policies such as Kenya’s two-thirds gender rule in fisheries governance are shifting the tides.
“In Kwale County, where I work,” Pauline says with pride, “we now have young people serving as BMU chairmen in Munje and Bodo, and women leading BMUs in places like Mkwiro. They’re no longer confined to secretary or treasurer roles; they’re decision-makers.”
For Pauline, the path forward is clear: “To strengthen this movement, we must keep empowering, mentoring, and building the capacity of women and youth. Real change happens when everyone has a voice in co-creating marine conservation solutions.”
The Transformative Power of Mentorship
When asked about mentorship, Pauline’s eyes light up. “It’s at the core of everything I do,” she says.
She shares the story of Hajara, a young woman from Mkunguni who started as a timid data collector with little confidence. Through mentorship, Hajara blossomed; she now leads feedback sessions and speaks confidently in community meetings.
Then there’s Erastus from Kilifi County.
“He began as a secretary at Wesa BMU and was unsure of himself,” Pauline recalls. “After mentorship and empowerment, he grew into his leadership and is now the BMU Chairman.”
These success stories prove that mentorship isn’t just about skills, it’s about mindset. “When people believe in themselves,” she says, “they communicate better, make stronger decisions, and stay committed to conservation.”
And because most BMU roles are voluntary, Pauline emphasizes linking mentorship with livelihood training, such as business management or proposal writing, to ensure sustainability. “When people can support their families, they stay passionate about protecting their environment.”
Governance Challenges and Glimmers of Hope
Working with coastal communities is not without its challenges. Pauline identifies governance and coordination as persistent hurdles.
“One major issue,” she explains, “is the frequent change of leaders after BMU elections. We invest heavily in training, only for new leaders to come in who need to start from scratch.”
Poor coordination between institutions can also cause duplication of efforts and confusion at the community level. “Sometimes decisions are made by a few, leaving others feeling excluded,” she adds. “That weakens trust.”
But there’s progress. Training community champions helps ensure continuity when leadership changes. Multi-stakeholder forums now align different organizations’ efforts with BMU management plans. And through art, music, poetry, and theatre, communities are bridging the gap between science, policy, and local knowledge.
“Ultimately,” Pauline reflects, “good governance builds transparency and trust. When men, women, and youth all have a voice, conservation becomes a shared mission, not an external agenda.”
A Message to Africa’s Young Ocean Stewards
As our conversation drew to a close, Pauline’s message to young Africans is both practical and inspiring.
“Start where you are,” she urges. “Volunteer, take internships, find a mentor, someone who can guide you.”
She admits that mentorship opportunities are not always easy to find, but encourages persistence. “The ocean space is vast,” she says. “It needs scientists, storytellers, divers, artists, and community volunteers. Every small effort counts.”
“You don’t have to be from the coast or have a marine science degree to make an impact. Passion and consistency will take you far. And when you find your opportunity and guiding hand, be that hand for someone else.”
Pauline Safari’s journey with Ocean Buddies is more than a story; it’s a noble initiative born from curiosity, courage, and care. It shows how one person’s vision can spark change, inspiring children to see themselves as guardians of the ocean. Her work reminds us that real conservation begins not in policies or reports, but in everyday moments of learning, wonder, and connection, planting seeds of hope in the hearts of the next generation.
Ripples of Change- Pauline Safari and the Ocean Buddies Movement Along Kenya’s Coast
