Making Waves with Education: Book Donation Inspires Youth in Turks and Caicos

Recently, our team partnered with Wymara Resort and Villas and the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre to donate 200 Sharks and Rays of Turks and Caicos activity books to local students.

This unique coloring and activity book features six species of sharks and three species of rays, along with fun facts, cutouts, habitats, and even a section on Project Lemon Aid, where students can learn how scientists conduct a work-up on a lemon shark. Children are invited to color the animals and habitats however they wish, creating FINtastic underwater scenes while learning about the ocean around them.

Sharktopia created the incredible artwork and design, and the book was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Save Our Seas Foundation and Wymara Resort and Villas.

Books ready for donation! Posters donated previously ( created by Creecha Kids)

We’ve partnered with the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre since our very first trip to Turks and Caicos in 2019. Their mission inspires us, and we’re always excited to collaborate on projects. Over the years, we’ve led programs at the centre, and some of their students were the very first to join us in the field.

“At the Edward Gartland Youth Centre, we were thrilled to be part of the Sharks4Kids Coloring Book initiative. We wanted to be involved because it brings education and creativity together in a way that truly excites children. The best part has been seeing the kids’ faces light up as they learn about sharks and marine life while expressing themselves through art. For our young people, these coloring books are more than just fun—they spark curiosity, build environmental awareness, and connect them to the incredible ocean that surrounds us here in the Turks and Caicos. We are grateful for Sharks4Kids’ generosity in donating these books, which inspire our youth to learn, dream, and protect their environment.”— Roxann Wake-Forbes, Director, Edward Gartland Youth Centre

It was a joy to deliver the first round of books to their students. Our local team member, Arenthia Baker, joined Wymara Development Manager Phoebe Pereira to visit the youth centre and celebrate this milestone. Arenthia spoke to the students about sharks and Project Lemon Aid, sharing her local knowledge and passion for the ocean.

Arenthia speaking to students at the Youth Centre

“This is such a wonderful educational resource for children. It not only showcases the diverse marine life found here in the Turks and Caicos Islands but also helps them understand that every creature has an important role within the ecosystem. Seeing their excitement—especially as they spoke about sharks—was rewarding. It’s great to have a resource that teaches them not to fear but to appreciate, encouraging them to safeguard and preserve our environment.”— Phoebe Pereira, Development Manager, Wymara Resort and Villas

Together, we’re making waves for education, conservation, and the future ocean stewards of Turks and Caicos.