The Shackleton Lectures is one of the highest profile initiatives in the Worldwise Events programme, commemorating the pioneering spirit of Dulwich College alumnus Sir Ernest Shackleton. This year's Shackleton Lectures taking place across our schools feature the renowned environmental activist, filmmaker, and author Céline Cousteau.
Founder of CauseCentric Productions, Céline Cousteau creates impactful, cause-focused content to share the vital message of interconnectivity between humans and the natural world. With a degree in Psychology and a Masters in Intercultural Relations, Céline weaves storytelling and experiential practices to help people reconnect to self, community, and Nature.
In October, Céline visited all the DCI schools within our family, bringing inspiring messages to students, teachers, and communities. Drawing on a wealth of experience, from documenting indigenous cultures in the Amazon to advocating for global environmental protection, her talks and workshops emphasised the critical role nature plays in shaping our cultures and wellbeing, and reinforced the values of perseverance and teamwork, and the commitment of Sustainability and Global Citizenship in EiM family of schools.
"One key takeaway for the students, I hope, is how they understand their connection to what's happening globally, so they don't feel isolated from environmental and other systems. I want them to leave with the understanding that they are an integral part of the planet—that their actions, feelings, and the changes they make matter far beyond themselves, their communities, and even Asia."
-- Céline Cousteau
Now, let's take a closer look at some key highlights from the lecture and workshops.
Céline Cousteau opened her lecture by recounting her extensive adventures, highlighting how the strength of a team fosters safety in extreme environments. She emphasised that scientific guidance and careful decision-making are essential for achieving exploration goals. "Every decision affects the fate of the entire team—this is the essence of teamwork," Céline said.
Céline elaborated on the deep relationship between humans and nature by sharing a story from her expedition in the Amazon. She emphasized that every element of the ecosystem and food chain is interlinked, similar to how humans rely on one another in society. Quoting Chief Seattle, she remarked, "Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself."
Céline also hosted intimate classroom sessions with different age groups in different schools, sharing her personal experiences with nature and indigenous tribes. She expressed her deep respect for both biological and cultural diversity, urging students to understand and support global Indigenous efforts in ecological conservation. Céline reiterated that true sustainable development requires more than external achievements; it also demands a focus on 'Inner Development Goals' (IDGs). She explained that only through inner growth and heightened self-awareness can individuals drive meaningful social change. Her stories inspired empathy and encouraged students to engage in thoughtful reflection.
