– An exclusive interview with Ms. Stacy Bachan, Den Manager, Soneva Jani
Travel has long been ratified as a valuable source to build life skills and embark on a journey of self-growth, exposing individuals to new cultures, ways of life, a more diverse palette, and ultimately enhanced living. Travelling is no longer just about going on holidays; it has become a way of life for most adults, especially in the post-pandemic era, and for the young ones, the focus has pivoted from being a mere vacation to being able to learn vividly through it. It is all about going beyond broadening a child’s horizons and offering a more structured and immersive learning experience. Soneva's innovative programs perfectly fuse travel and education to create a transformative experience for young guests, forging a deep connection with the world around them.
We chat with Soneva Jani’s Den Manager, Stacy Bachan, to delve deeper into the vision, impact, and heartwarming stories behind Soneva's educational initiatives. She shares her insights into how this luxury resort is nurturing the next generation through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Join us as we explore the inspiring stories, educational impacts, and the unique approach that Soneva employs to ignite curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in the next generation.
PureLuxe: What inspired Soneva to integrate education and travel, creating a unique learning experience for young guests?
Stacy Bachan: Soneva is driven by a vision to create sustainable, environmentally conscious luxury resorts that not only offer relaxation and luxury but also contribute positively to the local communities and the environment. We believe that education plays a crucial role in creating a better future for the planet and that travel offers invaluable opportunities for learning and personal growth. By combining these two elements, we sought to foster a deeper connection between our young guests and the world around them. This unique approach allowed children to learn about nature, sustainability, and local cultures in a hands-on and immersive way, ultimately promoting a sense of responsibility and a lifelong love for learning.
PureLuxe: What positive impacts have you observed on children who participate in these educational programs, and what have been some of the challenges you’ve faced?
Stacy Bachan: Our young guests who engage in Soneva's educational programs tend to develop a heightened awareness of environmental issues. They may gain a deeper understanding of sustainability, conservation, and their role in protecting the natural world.
PureLuxe: How can parents actively participate in their children's educational experiences at Soneva Properties?
Stacy Bachan: Parents can join their children in workshops and classes offered at all our resorts. This could include activities related to sustainability, local culture, marine biology, cooking, and more. Engaging in these sessions together promotes bonding and shared learning.
PureLuxe: Are there any upcoming educational initiatives or developments on the horizon at Soneva that parents and children can look forward to?
Stacy Bachan: We offer year-round educational classes and camps based on Marine Biology, Waste to Wealth, the Mosquito Project, and many more. These programs include a variety of outdoor activities that nurture children's love for nature, as well as other physical activities such as swimming and navigation. Additionally, we accept requests for unique topics that parents may want their kids to learn.
PureLuxe: Can you share a particularly heartwarming or exciting experience of a child who got enrolled at Soneva Academy? A story you hold close.
Stacy Bachan: Meet Alex, a bright-eyed and enthusiastic 10-year-old with a passion for making a positive impact on the environment. When Alex enrolled in the Waste to Wealth project at Soneva Academy, little did anyone know the incredible journey that awaited him. During his time at Soneva, Alex learned the art of transforming everyday waste materials into valuable resources. One particular skill that captured his heart was folding plastic bags into perfect triangles. It was a small act, but one that resonated deeply with him. Upon returning home, whenever Alex's parents returned with a plastic bag, he would eagerly ask to fold it. With care and precision, he transformed each bag into a neat triangle, and then lovingly placed it in a special box he had set aside for this purpose. As weeks went by, Alex's collection of neatly folded triangles grew. His bedroom became a testament to his dedication and passion for sustainability. He stacked boxes upon boxes, each filled with these meticulously folded bags. It wasn't just an act of conservation; it was a labour of love. The transformation in Alex was remarkable. His newfound skill not only contributed to reducing plastic waste but also honed his organizational abilities. He learned the value of patience and the satisfaction that came from small acts of dedication.
PureLuxe: In a screen-dominated era with information overload, how does Soneva's experiential learning approach offer children a meaningful alternative that promotes a balanced learning experience where knowledge is not only gained but retained and applied?
Stacy Bachan: In today's digital age, where screens often monopolize children's time and attention, Soneva offers a welcome departure. The "No News No Shoes" concept encourages families to disconnect from the digital world and immerse themselves in the natural wonders of a barefoot island. By shedding the distractions of screens and shoes, children are free to engage with their surroundings profoundly and genuinely. Soneva's experiential learning programs take full advantage of this environment. Rather than relying on passive entertainment like Netflix or iPads, children are encouraged to learn through communication and interaction with the natural world. They participate in hands-on activities that stimulate their curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Whether it's exploring marine life in crystal-clear waters, embarking on nature walks, or engaging in cultural exchanges with local communities, every experience is designed to be immersive and educational. This approach not only enriches a child's understanding of the world but also instils a deep sense of respect for the environment and local cultures.
PureLuxe: How do Soneva's learning initiatives prioritize collaborative, hands-on learning to nurture community and teamwork among young guests while also fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills to prepare them for the challenges of the competitive real world?
Stacy Bachan: Soneva Academy and its learning initiatives prioritize collaborative and hands-on learning to cultivate a strong sense of community and teamwork among young guests. The programs are specifically designed to encourage interaction, cooperation, and the development of essential social skills. Given the diverse age range of young visitors to Soneva, a strategic approach is employed. Children of similar ages are paired together and placed in a classroom-like setting. This arrangement ensures that participants are working with peers who are at a similar developmental stage, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences. Once in these groups, children engage in activities that require them to collaborate and problem-solve together. They are presented with challenges that stimulate critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. For example, tasks may involve solving puzzles, creating a treasure map, or working together to achieve a common goal. By participating in these collaborative endeavours, children learn to communicate effectively, respect each other's ideas, and appreciate the strengths and contributions of their peers. They also develop skills in negotiation, compromise, and conflict resolution — all essential components of successful teamwork.
PureLuxe: Cultural understanding and empathy are crucial aspects to imbibe from a young age. How does Soneva approach teaching children about local culture to create a more connected and empathetic global community?
Stacy Bachan: Soneva places a strong emphasis on cultural understanding and empathy, recognizing the importance of shaping a more connected and empathetic global community. The resort takes a multi-faceted approach to teaching children about local culture, ensuring they gain a well-rounded appreciation for the Maldives and its people. One key aspect of Soneva's approach is our diverse team of international instructors who bring a wealth of perspectives and experiences from around the world. This diverse host provides a broad educational foundation and fosters an environment of inclusivity, where children learn about various cultures and traditions. In addition to this global perspective, Soneva places special emphasis on the local Maldivian culture. The resort hosts sessions with Maldivian hosts who offer firsthand insights into how Maldivian people live their lives. These sessions cover a range of topics, including favourite meals, population, main professions, and religion in the Maldives. This immersive approach allows children to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural nuances and practices unique to the Maldives. By incorporating these sessions, Soneva provides children with the opportunity to glimpse into the daily lives of Maldivian people. They learn firsthand about the values, customs, and traditions that shape the local community. This experience fosters a sense of empathy and cultural appreciation, encouraging children to see the world through a broader lens. Through this combined approach of international perspectives and a dedicated focus on local culture, Soneva creates a rich educational environment that equips children with the knowledge and empathy needed to become engaged global citizens.
In an evolving world that increasingly values experiential learning, the intersection of travel and education has created an exciting realm of possibilities. With a commitment to sustainability, community, and environmental consciousness, Soneva Jani has seamlessly integrated education and travel to provide a unique learning experience for young guests. By fostering a deeper connection between young guests and the world around them, Soneva is not only nurturing responsible, environmentally aware individuals but also instilling a lifelong love for learning.
Their pioneering approach to travel-based learning and embarking on educational experiences through The Den, Soneva Academy, and AquaTerra amongst other initiatives exemplifies the potential of combining education with exploration. From environmental consciousness to cultural appreciation, teamwork, and empathy, Soneva's immersive initiatives hugely contribute to shaping the future of education through travel.
We love how there are more and more ways to enhance education for the little ones and we’re sure your kids will love this new way of learning through travelling.
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