The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Education:

Mr. Speaker, today our government announced $25,000 for Quidi Vidi/Rennie’s River Development Foundation for the delivery of educational programs at The Fluvarium which has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding will allow The Fluvarium to continue these programs this year in a virtual format.

Each year, students learn about the importance of freshwater ecology and habitats. Approximately 10,000 students visit The Fluvarium annually to participate in these educational programs.

With the funding announced today, The Fluvarium will provide schools with videos that include footage from both their indoor and outdoor environments, and will then host a virtual question and answer session with students and teachers.

The virtual format will also allow The Fluvarium to reach a greater number of students outside the St. John’s area.

Mr. Speaker, this is an excellent example of how we are all finding ways to adapt and change due to COVID-19. It is important that we continue to offer fun and interactive learning experiences for students and our government is pleased to assist with the necessary funding.

I ask my Honourable colleagues to join me in recognizing the work of the Quidi Vidi/Rennie’s River Development Foundation in finding a way to continue this programming for students.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.