My Personal Project - Jorja Otto

My name is Jorja Otto and I’m in my final year of the Middle Years Programme, currently undertaking My Personal Project. I have a strong passion and love for the ocean and the amazing beauty that comes with it.

For my Project I am currently writing and illustrating a young children’s picture book exploring the issue of coral reef destruction. My target audience for my book is children aged between four and 10 years of age as this generation is the future. If these children are made aware of the ever-growing issue with coral reef destruction, then hopefully they will assist in stopping harmful practices in the aim to take more care with the environment and protect our beautiful reefs.

Turtle swimming past at Cook Island on my first dive

My Project was originally going to have photographs I had taken when going on dives. I planned to dive in various locations including Julian Rocks, Rottnest Islands and Garden Island, WA. Unfortunately, due to restriction with Covid-19 I was only able to complete one dive at Cook Island. This dive inspired me and opened my eyes to the often-unforeseen beauty that lies within our reefs. If coral reef destruction continues then the vividly coloured corals to mesmerising marine life will quickly diminish into stranded bleached coral and marine life left with no home.

During the process of planning, developing, and producing My Personal Project product I have further developed my skills in areas such as problem solving, risk taking, communication, organisation and being open-minded. I look forward to utilising these essential skills in my daily routine.