On September 27, Minister of the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) Bi-Ling Kuan, along with Member of the Control Yuan Rong-Chang Wang, Chairman Ke-Cheng Chen and Secretary-General Jia-Ying Lu of the Taiwan Disability Scuba Diving Association, Principal of Kaohsiung Municipal Kaohsiung Special Education School Yi-Shen Lu, Principal of Kaohsiung Municipal Nanzhih Special School Guo-Shu Huang, Director of Kaohsiung Municipal Renwu Special Education School Jian-Wei Chen, and over 350 teachers and students, kicked off the "Ocean of Love, Unleashed Learning" educational event at the National Science and Technology Museum.

The OAC, in collaboration with the National Science and Technology Museum, has developed interactive educational tools related to marine conservation and technology to promote ocean education. Since 2021, the tools have been showcased in several places, including Kaohsiung, Taichung, Pingtung, Penghu, and Taipei, with more than 46,000 participants to date receiving enthusiastic responses.

The opening ceremony featured captivating performances by the Kaohsiung Special Education School Lion Dance Troupe and colleagues from the Dongsha-Nansha Branch of the Coast Guard Administration, demonstrating enthusiasm and vitality. In gratitude for the dedicated teachers who guide and care for the students, the OAC organized a heartwarming Teacher's Day celebration during which Minister Kuan and the students cut a cake together. The students expressed their thanks with loud voices, saying, "Thank you, teachers! Thank you, principals! Happy Teacher's Day!" They also sang the birthday song, creating an atmosphere filled with love and blessings.

Minister Kuan mentioned the richness and vitality of marine ecosystems, including whales, humpback whales, dolphins, crabs, shrimp, seaweed, and seagrass. She highlighted the importance of the oceans, which produce 50% of the Earth's oxygen. She expressed the Council's commitment to raising awareness of the oceans and making them barrier-free spaces for all citizens, emphasizing the Council's vital responsibility in this regard.

She also introduced the exciting marine educational tools available at the event for participants to learn about the ocean. She wished everyone an exceptional experience and hoped they would come to appreciate the oceans and enjoy seaside activities.

Member of the National Human Rights Commission, the Control Yuan Rong-Chang Wang, expressed that marine issues are also human rights issues. He highlighted the OAC's efforts since Minister Kuan took office in areas such as marine governance and conservation, gender equality, and maritime issues involving the indigenous people, as well as sustainable development and ecological conservation, all of which are topics of great concern in various United Nations human rights conventions. He commended the "Ocean of Love, Unleashed Learning"  educational event as the first time that special education students and teachers have come together to develop teaching materials and educational tools for marine education, promoting their active engagement in learning, protection, and involvement. Being an island nation, Taiwan provides ample opportunities for experiencing the ocean, from educational tools and materials to playing in the water and even diving. In the past decade, nearly 100 people with disabilities, including those with physical and visual impairments, have obtained diving licenses. Additionally, 20 with disabilities have become certified diving instructors so they can teach friends with disabilities to become familiar with the ocean, dive into it, enjoy it, and embrace it. He expressed his appreciation for Minister Kuan's dedicated efforts in organizing this event and thanked all the special education teachers and school principals for their contributions, which promote awareness, understanding, and closeness to the ocean, ultimately allowing everyone to embrace the ocean.

In addition to interactive educational tools that enable students to experience the ocean firsthand, colleagues from the Coast Guard Administration organized a live rescue mission for the students. This allowed all the students to learn to become ocean protectors and act out their love for the ocean. Chairman Ke-Cheng Chen of the Taiwan Disability Scuba Diving Association appeared to encourage everyone to understand and protect our oceans and underwater ecosystems. He promised to take everyone to the seaside and underwater to see fish and marine life. He emphasized that love for the ocean should be shared with everyone, as the ocean is an open door to education for all.

The students from Kaohsiung Special Education School presented Minister Kuan with thank-you cards, saying loudly, "Thank you, Ocean Affairs Council, for letting us participate in the event," "Let's all protect our oceans together," and "Thank you, beautiful Minister Kuan." Their innocent and shy smiles prompted applause at the scene. Minister Kuan warmly posed for a group photo with over 350 teachers and students, using various marine-themed balloons and signs, leaving behind a lively and joyful image for the event's opening.

The "Ocean of Love, Unleashed Learning" educational event takes place from September 27 to October 4 at the National Science And Technology Museum (the museum will be closed on October 2). Families are welcome to participate actively in this 7-day ocean education activity.